REEFER SADNESS

Talk about a potty concept.

Those who break the law to fire up support for decriminalization of
marijuana for medicinal purposes are just blowing smoke.

Grant Krieger, a multiple sclerosis victim convicted Tuesday of
possession of marijuana for the purposes of trafficking, has vowed to
keep selling pot as medicine.

Judge Robert Davie didn't buy Krieger's argument that medical users
should be able to grow and distribute cannabis. The judge ruled
dissemination of drugs is restricted to doctors and pharmacists for
the protection of society.

We couldn't agree more, but sympathize -- to a degree -- with
Krieger's attempts to draw attention to the issue. There is evidence
cannabis helps sufferers of MS, glaucoma, AIDS and other
afflictions.

Federal Justice Minister Anne McLellan says the government is already
looking at decriminalization for medical purposes. The last three
words are key here. If marijuana is legalized for medical purposes,
there must be tight legal controls -- similar to ones in place for
addictive painkillers like morphine.

Legalization advocates are simply enjoying brightly colored pipe
dreams if they believe otherwise.

Imagine the prospect of a merry bunch of marijuana growers using and
selling it for ailments as varied as lower back pain, headaches and
"havin' a bad day, man."

There are very valid reasons why marijuana remains illegal, despite
decades of effort by the pot lobby.

It causes impairment similar to alcohol. Long-term use leads to
lethargy and lack of motivation. We need only look at cultures where
cannabis use is widespread to witness its sad impact.

If it is legalized for "medical purposes only," strict controls are
needed to prevent it becoming a conduit for recreational users.

Even California, that mecca of drug use, has recently cut the flow for
medicinal purposes because of inadequate restrictions.

Those who believe decriminalization for medical purposes will be a
painless, uncomplicated process had better clear away the smoky haze
and take a hard look at reality.

Checked-by: (trikydik)