LEGALIZING POT COULD PROVE EDUCATIONAL

VANCOUVER -- Canada should legalize marijuana so that people trying to
prevent drug abuse can talk to teens about it realistically, the way they
do with alcohol and cigarettes.

That's one of two dozen recommendations put forward by the City of
Vancouver, as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy for everything
from methamphetamine production to alcoholism among seniors.

And it's a strategy that Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell endorses
wholeheartedly.

"I think the decriminalization doesn't do anybody any good. It sends the
message that it's OK, but that it's a crime to obtain it."

Campbell acknowledges that Vancouver's stand won't produce immediate
change. "It's a talking point, but clearly it's something that has to be
done in Canada."

Others say putting marijuana onto the same level as alcohol and tobacco
would allow teachers and prevention counsellors to talk about it
strategically, rather than just avoiding the topic.