PROHIBITION BACKFIRES

Re: Experts resurrect 'reefer madness' as reason to crack down on
marijuana, Aug. 28.

Considering the consequences of prohibition, one would be
hard-pressed to believe there are any reasons to discourage young
people from using cannabis.

If, as the epidemiologists say, the studies are clear that using
marijuana can precipitate schizophrenia in susceptible teens and
young adults, then the prohibition of cannabis clearly demonstrates a
truly nefarious side effect: it allows for cannabis to be made
accessible to the young.

Teens and young adults can have no greater access to cannabis than
with prohibition in place. Thanks to prohibition, the Al Capones of
the drug-world can, and do, reach into schoolyards and playgrounds
with relative impunity. For every drug peddler arrested, there are
more willing to take his or her place, once the bullets stop flying.

If keeping cannabis out of the hands of youths is the best reason to
date for ending the prohibition of cannabis, then messages be damned,
end prohibition now!

Wayne Phillips,

Hamilton,

LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition)