Pubdate: Tue, 03 Jul 2012 Source: Oshawa Express, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2012 Dowellman Publishing Corp Contact: http://www.oshawaexpress.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5299 Author: Paul Kokoski KEEP POT PROHIBITED Dear editor, Regarding the Postmedia News article "Most Canadians firmly in favour of decriminalizing marijuana: poll", July 2, 2012: There are several reasons to criminalize pot. Marijuana is neither harmless to the individual nor beneficial for society. It directly effects the rights of other to live in a safe environment. Cannabis is twice as likely to lead to lung cancer than tobacco. Scientific research also suggests that regular marijuana use, in addition to damaging other organs, increases the chance of psychotic episodes and mental instability. It also leads to social and educational indifference, laziness and underachievement. The medical community has pointed to cases of short-term memory loss, decreased sexual potency, confusion, poor judgment and numerous other problems. The "turn on, tune in, drop out" phenomenon of the 60's promised to provide a therapeutic answer to life through escapist drugs. Instead it proved to be a social, cultural and moral disaster. It lead to a lowering of moral standards, anarchy, rebellion and much unhappiness. Let's keep pot criminalized! Sincerely, Paul Kokoski - --- MAP posted-by: Matt