MARIJUANA USE: THE LESSON OF HISTORY

Can history tell us anything that might help in combating the present
scourge of drug use which is haunting society today, especially the
younger population. Indeed, the Ottawa Police Service confirms that there
are drugs present in every high school in the city and that more youth use
drugs than consume alcohol because drugs are easier to get and easier to
conceal.

There might be something of a lesson to be learned from society's
treatment of alcohol. A temperance movement began in the mid-19th century
and took hold of society so much that by the early 20th century,
prohibition reigned. Alcohol was illegal. But as we all know, this did not
stop society's lust for alcohol and eventually prohibition was repealed,
with alcohol once again becoming a legal substance. It turned out that
society's desire for alcohol was stronger than the will of legislators or
the righteous.

Can a parallel be drawn to today's situation with regard to marijuana use?
It is illegal but it has become so common in society, among not only the
youth but also many adults, that recreational use is widespread. The great
demand for the substance has led to widespread grow operations in homes
and an extensive distribution network. Virtually any high school student
in the city knows whom to approach for marijuana if they so desire to try
it.

So, can a ban on marijuana use be effective or is it like prohibition, a
lost cause? If so, is the answer to legalize its use, control its
manufacture to ensure its safety and sell it through a government agency
such as the LCBO, just like happens with liquor today.

This would eliminate the criminal element from the equation and bring the
sale of marijuana above board where it could be properly monitored and
somewhat controlled.

Imagine the saving of hours of police effort in investigating and
prosecuting the current underground of marijuana growers and traffickers.

But, on the other hand, is legalizing marijuana wise since it is very much
viewed as a "gateway drug" that leads to use of heavier drugs. Would
society just be driving users toward these heavier, still illegal drugs?

It is quite a quandary. We all know that prohibition did not work and
alcohol had to be legalized and its distribution controlled. This seems to
have worked well, although undoubtedly alcohol remains one of society's
scourges and it could be argued that society would all be better off
without it.

But whether society will ever consent to the legalization of marijuana and
its distribution through some sort of government-controlled system remains
dubious, at best. Meanwhile, marijuana use, especially by the youth,
continues to plague society. It just seems that the current status quo
situation is inadequate and changes of some sort should be considered.