Pubdate: Wed, 25 Apr 2012
Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 Sohail Temoor
Contact:  http://www.thespec.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181
Author: Sohail Temoor

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WOULD BE A MISTAKE

There's been some clamour lately for the legalization of marijuana.
Having already seen alcohol's ill effects - countless broken homes,
addictions and thousands of deaths caused by drunk driving -
legalization seems ridiculous.

I've had individuals approach me to join them in smoking marijuana,
justifying it by arguing its medicinal benefits and social value.
However, studies have strongly linked marijuana to mental illnesses;
socially, it only impresses the wrong crowd. Our youth could be
damaged by the inevitable marijuana proliferation that legalization
brings.

I am a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association. I know our
community's emphasis on abstaining from intoxicants like alcohol and
marijuana has buoyed our youth's success and contribution to society.
The government must send the same empowering message to all youth,
because ultimately, "nations cannot be reformed without the
reformation of the youth."

Sohail Temoor, Hamilton
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D