Pubdate: Tue, 05 Oct, 1999
Source: Calgary Sun (Canada)
Copyright: 1999, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.canoe.ca/CalgarySun/
Forum: http://www.canoe.ca/Chat/home.html
Author: Eugene Hines
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk

MARIJUANA IS A RED HERRING

THE PROBLEM is that the more rigid prohibitionists are in their attitudes 
towards marijuana, the more of a social disservice they are performing. It 
isn't any wonder that the criminal element can walk circles around you. The 
truth is, generally speaking, marijuana is a red herring. It really isn't 
an issue. In any event it really doesn't matter what you take if you were 
dying and in pain.  I think at that stage it is really your own concern.

To stretch the point, if a person found relief from the misery from their 
illness by hanging a sheep around his/her neck, carry on and God bless you. 
What right does anybody have to pass judgment? I can only assume those of a 
sadistic nature revel in such comments by editors such as yourself. But the 
truth is, your only interest is to sell papers, isn't it? You certainly 
don't really care, do you? More money coming in, eh? What a corruption.
Eugene Hines
London, U.K.

(Truth is, those in pain who want marijuana usually get it.)

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