Newshawk: Herb
Pubdate: Wed, 15 Feb 2012
Source: Terrace Standard (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Terrace Standard
Contact:  http://www.terracestandard.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1329
Author: Tim Andersen

POT CAUSES WHAT PROBLEMS?

Dear Sir:

I have read Bob Erb's and Bob Adami's letters on the legalization of
marijuana and feel I need to comment.

I am friendly, caring, and generally well-liked person who is active
in my community. I own my own home and vehicle and have been steady in
the same job I enjoy for almost 5 years. I am a hard worker, honest,
family oriented and always willing to give a hand to someone in need.

I am also a criminal. Not because I hurt, steal or affect anyone
negatively. I am a criminal because I enjoy smoking pot in the privacy
of my own home.

I may be funding gang activity I am opposed to because of prohibition.
I would grow some for myself and friends, it would be near free (the
way it should be, it grows wild in nature) if I wasn't risking losing
my home doing it.

New legislation set to pass would impose a mandatory sentence of 6
months if I grew 6 plants in my greenhouse and was caught. I would be
given a criminal record and most likely lose my job.

Mr. Adami: I already pay an astronomical rate for pot due to gang 
control, it's a dangerous business with plenty of risk to the growers 
and suppliers due to the environment prohibition has caused.

So I ask you what would fining an individual like me who is already
put in a bad situation by these ridiculous laws achieve? More
financial loss over something that doesn't even affect folks like you?

I am unaware of the "problems pot causes now" you speak of, however
regarding the argument of health risks: I understand many deaths are
caused by alcohol overdose and withdrawal. I have never heard of an
instance of someone overdosing or dying from withdrawals on pot, but
correct me if I am wrong.

Tim Andersen,

Terrace, BC
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MAP posted-by: Matt