Pubdate: Mon, 07 May 2012
Source: Alberni Valley Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Alberni Valley Times
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouverisland/albernivalleytimes/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4043
Author: Megan Horvath

GOVERNMENT SHOULD LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

In the government there has been talk of legalizing marijuana. I think
it should be either legalized or decriminalized.

It is a much less dangerous drug than alcohol or tobacco, which both
have very high death rates. There have been zero deaths caused by marijuana.

Another reason marijuana should be legalized is because many more
people would be able to use it for its medical benefits without having
to apply for a green card.

Medical benefits this drug has is it helps with insomnia, chronic
pain, cancer, anorexia, depression, and more. Legalizing marijuana
would benefit the economy greatly, because if it were to be sold in
stores it could be taxed and with such a high user rate, it would
generate a significant tax revenue.

Legalizing this substance would also benefit the communities because
the police would use much less tax money targeting marijuana growers,
traffickers and users.

Tax money could go toward other crimes, funding for schools and
infrastructure. By keeping marijuana illegal, it is almost glorifying
the drug. Preteens and teens will want to find out for themselves what
is so good about this drug that makes it illegal.

By legalizing it, marijuana will be a topic that is more in the open,
and it's pros and cons can be more openly discussed to give people a
better understanding of marijuana.

Megan Horvath

Sproat Lake
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