ZIGZAGGING FORWARD

We are puffed up with pride to learn that the Canadian Medical Association
has dragged itself a little way forward in the direction we have long
advocated on marijuana.

In a brief to the Senate special committee on illegal drugs, the CMA called
for marijuana to be taken out of the Criminal Code and made subject only to
a small fine. Unfortunately, it then made a hash of things by saying that
this modest measure should be accompanied by a national "cannabis
cessation" program.

The CMA's position is good news because it involves a hazy recognition that
the war on drugs is not working. But the CMA's rationale remains clouded.
It is still thinking about how the government can interfere in voluntary
acts between consenting adults rather than whether it should. It is not
your business, directly or through the political process, whether your
neighbour is doing something dumb or even harmful to himself.

Still, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. First,
decriminalize marijuana. Next, notice the "cannabis cessation" program
isn't working, and abolish it.

Then, realize people own their own bodies, and eliminate the fines for
smoking dope. We'd rather take care of the problem in one big hit, but if
it's all we can score, weeding out errors one at a time will do.