LEGALIZING POT MAKES SENSE

Re: Martin pushes softer pot law, April 2

Good for local MP Keith Martin trying yet again, via a private
member's bill, to reduce the horrific damage done by the war on drugs.
Fines for possession of a small amount of marijuana, instead of
criminal charges, is a step in the right direction.

Victoria city councillor Philippe Lucas offers a more sensible option,
the legalization and regulation of marijuana, just as alcohol and
tobacco products are legal and regulated, generating tax revenue but
not depriving adults of the right to consume what are well-known to be
dangerous drugs (nicotine and ethyl alcohol) with serious impact on
informed individuals and our health system.

Whether or not marijuana is legalized, there will always be substance
abuse. Such is human nature.

Regulation is therefore needed to prevent children from accessing
marijuana.

The prohibition model, epitomized by the fruitless multi-decade "war
on drugs," has given the world the Mafia, widespread vicious drug-gang
wars, narco-states such as Afghanistan and Colombia, gross
underfunding of addiction treatment and research, and global
resentment of America, the world's self-appointed drug cop.

Martin is right. Substance abuse ought to be a medical and social
issue rather than a legal issue. Lucas points the way: legalize,
regulate and tax marijuana now.

Hendrik de Pagter

Victoria