CANADA SHOULD FOLLOW HOLLAND ON MARIJUANA

Editor:

Regarding the recent editorial on the possible legalization of
marijuana, yes, marijuana should be legal, like in Holland. It would
free up wasted justice system resources. Although initially there may
be an increase in usage, over time younger users will moderate their
consumption as the rebellion factor becomes less.

Also, by making it legal, a homeowner could grow a few plants in the
garden. It would no longer be a source of income for criminal groups.

Nothing is gained by marijuana being illegal. For over a decade,
Canadian police forces have been screaming for more recruits and
increased budgets. Seeing bicycle brigades of Ottawa police hunting
down teens smoking a joint is ridiculous. Although there is a
difference between marijuana and harder drugs, the war on drugs is
unwinnable as over 50 years of history attests.

If tobacco that kills approximately 45,000 people annually in Canada
remains legal, largely due to the tax revenues involved in its sale,
why should marijuana that kills no one be illegal. It really has to
do more with an overbearing Big Brother than sensibility or right and wrong.

Mark Cotnam

Stittsville