WE SHOULD GET READY FOR MARIJUANA DEBATE

Editor:

I am writing in response to a story from Tuesday, May 15, in which it was
announced that the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association is calling
for the decriminalization of marijuana.

They make a number of important points, but the most poignant would have to
be their assertion that those who choose to use marijuana suffer disparate
social and professional consequences.

Knowing that the effects of marijuana are no more harmful than those of
alcohol, should marijuana users be forced to hide in the back rooms, or
purchase their product in dark alleys in fear of being found out?

There are many users who are socially responsible, educated, professional
individuals and infrequent users who would prefer to be able to purchase
their marijuana from the same shelf as their rum or vodka. Should we not
permit that? Could we not allow marijuana to be regulated under the same
guidelines as alcohol? Should we also not show any more prejudice to
marijuana users than we do to alcohol users?

As the Canadian Senate spends the next two years studying the merits of
decriminalizing marijuana use, we, the general public, should take the time
to look at these types of questions.

The issue may show up some day as a referendum topic, or as a major
election issue. Will we be ready to make our decision ?

Jeff Daley, Charlottetown