Pubdate: Tue, 17 Feb 2009
Source: Northern View, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 The Northern View
Contact:  http://www.thenorthernview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4366
Author: Bruce Symington
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09.n174.a04.html

SCHOOL NUMBERS MAKE THE CASE FOR POT LEGALIZATION

Editor:

Regarding the report of Ms. Robinson on school suspensions reported on
thenorthernview.com on February 11: 30 of 52 suspensions so far this
year were due to cannabis (marijuana) and the rest were for 'fighting,
behaviour and alcohol'. The interesting part is that alcohol was the
cause of far fewer problems in school than cannabis. This is due to
the difficulty students have in obtaining alcohol.

Why do they have this problem?

Because the dealers could lose their legal right to deal alcohol if
they sell to kids, any adult would be likewise penalized if they give
or sell it and society backs this position as a reasonable approach.

Kids have less trouble obtaining cannabis because the dealers are
already doing something illegal, so selling to kids is no big deal.

Opinion polls tell us that the majority of citizens likewise favour
legalizing cannabis. When that happens, the newly licensed dealers
will have a reason not to sell to youth, and they will have a much
more difficult time obtaining weed.

Legalize, Regulate and Tax.

Do it for the children.

Bruce Symington

Medicine Hat AB
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin