Pubdate: Mon, 30 Apr 2012 Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) Copyright: 2012 Sohail Temoor Contact: http://www.winnipegsun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503 Author: Sohail Temoor Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor. LEGAL POT DETRIMENTAL There's been some clamour lately calling for the legalization of marijuana, but having already seen alcohol's ill effects, including countless broken homes, addictions and thousands of deaths caused by drunk-driving yearly, legalization seems ridiculous. Personally, I've had individuals approach me to join them in smoking marijuana, justifying it by arguing its medicinal benefits and social value. Studies have strongly linked marijuana to mental illnesses. Furthermore, our youth could be damaged by the inevitable marijuana proliferation this legalization brings. As a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, I can testify our community's emphasis on abstaining from intoxicants like alcohol and marijuana has buoyed our youth's success and contribution to society. Therefore, it's time for the government to send the same empowering message to all youth, because ultimately, "nations cannot be reformed without the reformation of the youth." Sohail Temoor (Everything in moderation.) - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D