Pubdate: Thu, 20 Aug 2009 Source: Telegram, The (CN NF) Copyright: 2009 The Telegram Contact: http://www.thetelegram.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/303 Author: Rhonda Goriak Boylan THERE ARE THINGS FAR WORSE THAN MARIJUANA It's great to hear that the West Coast's "Prince of Pot," Marc Emery, attracted over 300 attendees while visiting St. John's. His message is strong and positive: it is time to legalize marijuana and remove the criminal element, making it legal for anyone to grow and use marijuana who is at or above the age of consent. And how, by removing archaic laws that continue to prohibit the free use of this wondrous herb, we would free up multiple billions of dollars currently being eaten up by police agencies around the globe in an effort to stamp out a relatively harmless plant. In doing so, our police officers would be able to concentrate on ending the threat of far more dangerous and insidious addictive drugs such as crack cocaine and methamphetamines. Let them know how you feel There is a much better way. Our government needs to hear your voices. Please send your thoughts to your local MP or government representative. Do not be afraid. Act now! As Jimi Hendrix said, "Everything can be used properly as long as it is not used as a crutch, as long as it doesn't take command of you." Rhonda Goriak Boylan, RN Vancouver - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart