Pubdate: Thu, 26 Jan 2012
Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Peace Arch News
Contact:  http://www.peacearchnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333
Author: Wayne Phillips
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n037/a06.html

PROHIBITING POT NOT THE ANSWER

Editor:

Re: Study effects of marijuana, Jan. 10.

While I can appreciate Steinberg and Sterle, Jr.'s concerns, it must 
be remembered that according to DEA Judge Francis L. Young, 
"Marijuana is the safest therapeutically active substance known to 
man... safer than many foods we commonly consume."  ( Sept. 6, 1988)

Moreover, that research into cannabis had been terminated in 2007 in 
conjunction with the government's anti-drug strategy. This occurred 
in spite of concerns from within the legalization movement, whose 
proponents have consistently called for open and unbiased study 
regarding cannabis.

The harms attributed to cannabis are the direct result of legislation 
which governs it.

Prohibition has demonized cannabis and criminalized those who use it 
since its inception, yet it has failed to demonstrate itself capable 
of safeguarding either youth, the community or the taxpayer.

Prohibition empowers violent gangs while undermining good governance 
and faith in our political leaders.

Stop the Violence BC ( http://stoptheviolencebc.org/ ), The Vienna 
Declaration ( http://www.viennadeclaration.com/about/backgrounder/ ) 
and The International Centre for Science in Drug Policy ( 
http://www.icsdp.org/ ) are three sites which provide the science 
supporting sensible drug policy.

Wayne Phillips,

Communications Director,

Educators For Sensible Drug Policy,

Hamilton, On.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom