Kevin grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in Vincentown, complete with a white picket fence and family dog. His father was a corrections officer. His mother stayed at home to take care of the kids. But like a growing number of suburbanites, Kevin, who did not want his last name used because of the stigma, became addicted to heroin. It capped a string of drug use that started at age 12 and included cocaine and crack. "Heroin is more available," said Kevin, 31, who works as a union pipe fitter and is in a Virtua Health drug-free treatment program. "It's in easier forms to use, and it's cheap." [continues 864 words]
Kudos to Ross Rabagliati for bringing home the gold and for rehashing the drug debate in this country. About 600 000 Canadians have been convicted of simple marijuana possession and now have criminal records. This is unnacceptable to most Canadians. A recent Angus Reid Poll found over 50 percent of Canadians support decriminalization of cannabis possession. Our politicians have been promising for decades they would open a debate on decriminalization. Over 25 years ago, a royal commission recommended decriminalization and education to replace the costly and ineffective legal prosecution. MPs have disregarded this recommendation ever since. [continues 126 words]
About 600 000 Canadians have been convicted of simple marijuana possession and now have criminal records. This is unnacceptable to most Canadians. A recent Angus Reid Poll found over 50 percent of Canadians support decriminalization of cannabis possession. Our politicians have been promising for decades they would open a debate on decriminalization. Over 25 years ago, a royal commission recommended decriminalization and education to replace the costly and ineffective legal prosecution. MPs have disregarded this recommendation ever since. Many Canadians have lost faith in Parliament and have turned to the courts to challenge the laws constitutionally. In a recent case in London, R vs. Clay, the Ontario Supreme Court justice said it should be up to the legislature to change the laws and many Canadians would not object to such changes. There has never been a death directly related to the use of marijuana. The propaganda that it is a "gateway drug" has been effectively shot down. People do not become insane from smoking cannabis. Marijuana use does not lead to criminal activity, nor is there any evidence it is addictive. It is time for politicians to debate this issue. Now is the time for the decriminalization of marijuana possession. Chad Michael Burkhart London [end]
