Pubdate: Tue, 19 May 2009
Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Peace Arch News
Contact:  http://www.peacearchnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333
Author: M. Downey

LIGHTING UP IS BAD EITHER WAY

Editor:

On one hand, pot activists are clamouring and protesting to have use 
of marijuana legalized.

On the other hand, a group before the Standing Committee on Justice 
and Human Rights requests they address the region's problem with 
regard to pot-growing operations.

Although smoking tobacco is legal, hazards to health were discovered 
- - lungs and heart to mention a few. There has been a campaign on to 
point out the ill effects of smoking.

Doesn't it follow that smoking, no matter what the substance is, is 
detrimental to health?

It is bad enough that smoking tobacco is legal. Why would it be 
beneficial, with the knowledge of the hazards of smoking, another 
substance should be legalized?

A pro-cannabis supporter mentioned a pot tax could be set up with 
funds going to health care.

The cost of health care connected with tobacco is pretty heavy. It 
also causes harm to non-smokers from second-hand smoke. Why create a 
new problem by legalizing another substance, whatever the name?

M. Downey, Surrey
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom