PROHIBITION HARMFUL

Sir: In the article "Don't fear the reefer" (The Observer, Sept. 19,
2009), Const. Bill Baines is quoted as saying, "Those with an
addiction may also turn to crime to support their addiction... To say
it's a victimless crime is very far from the truth."

That is a very harmful and stereotypical view about marijuana, and
the great ignorance that society holds toward cannabis needs to be changed.

Research has continuously shown that marijuana is not physically
addictive and it is not possible to overdose on marijuana. The only
victims of cannabis use are the hardworking, everyday citizens who
are being severely punished for using this harmless plant.

The police are the leading cheerleaders of marijuana prohibition
because they are its biggest beneficiaries. Millions of taxpayers'
dollars are being spent on law enforcement to track down these
harmless plants and throw non-violent pot users in prison. It costs
about $75,000/year to house one prisoner. The prohibition of
marijuana is expensive and our hard-earned tax dollars could be
better spent on anything else.

The prohibition of marijuana is harmful to society because our youth
must resort to the highly undependable black market to obtain their
substance. As they continue to associate with the black market to buy
pot, their dealer will eventually introduce them to harder, addictive
substances like cocaine and heroin. Once addicted, they develop a
"drug-centered lifestyle" where their whole existence revolves around
the obtainment of these very expensive drugs. They become slaves to
the black market and resort to things like gangs, violence and
prostitution to support their habit.

Cannabis does not harm society: prohibition does.

Josh Dawson
Sarnia