LEGALIZING ILLICIT DRUGS

Re: "WEM halts teen event after drug death; Overdose of ecstasy
prompts suspension, review of Rock 'n' Ride party," The Journal, May 14.

This article says, "Some teens say it was a common hangout for drug
dealers who offered underage kids easy access to cheap drugs, such as ecstasy."

This makes it sound as if drug dealers are pressuring kids to try
drugs. What parents and authorities fail to admit is these bored,
disaffected, and media-addled kids seek out the drugs; the dealers
merely fill the demand.

We live in a culture that glamourizes sex, fun, danger, thrills,
risk-taking and rule-breaking. We medicate kids for having too much
imagination and disrupting class. We advertise booze, fast cars, fast
food, violent movies and drugs on TV. Then we tell kids that "drugs
are bad." Does anyone believe that kids don't notice this hypocrisy?

What makes it easy for dealers is prohibition. If these drugs were
regulated and sold to adults in stores, there would be quality
controls, age restrictions, and accountability.

Honest education, and diversions such as art, music, and sports will
reduce the numbers of kids trying drugs.

It should also be noted that junk food kills many times more
Canadians each year than all illegal drugs combined.

Russell Barth, licensed medical marijuana user and member, Patients
Against Ignorance and Discrimination on Cannabis, Nepean, Ont.