Pubdate: Thu, 15 Aug 2013
Source: Georgia Straight, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 The Georgia Straight
Contact:  http://www.straight.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1084
Author: Anthony Lui

REEFER MADNESS AND A CALL TO EXPAND THE WAR ON DRUGS

WHAT DRUG ADDICTS need most is rehabilitation, not legalization of 
more drug use ["Activists want citizens to dump prohibition", July 
25-August 1]. What their families treasure most is how their loved 
ones can rid themselves of the curse of drug addiction. What the 
taxpayers expect most is that their tax money not be spent on the 
indulgence of more drug dependence, causing ruin to more precious lives.

The tragic death of Cory Monteith is another warning to us. Dancing 
with drugs is just like sleeping with a poisonous snake. You simply 
don't know when that fatal bite will strike!

The crime of selling marijuana to students is rampant at school 
playgrounds. Kids in elementary grades have been exposed to marijuana.

Governments should work together to stop the recruitment of novice 
addicts. Drug traffickers should get the punishment commensurate with 
the seriousness of their crime. NGOs should be invited to contribute 
in various cost-effective rehabilitation programs. International 
cooperation to combat drug syndicates should be stepped up. Our 
government needs to adopt a three-pronged strategy with balanced 
emphasis on rehabilitation, prevention, and education.

Marijuana is known as the "gateway drug" leading to more hard-drug 
use. Winning the battle against marijuana addiction will lay down a 
solid foundation for us to win in the entire war against drugs.

Anthony Lui North Delta
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