LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WON'T MAKE IT MORE ACCESSIBLE

Re: Tolerance of viewpoints goes both ways, June 19.

I agree wholeheartedly with Geoffrey Capp; tolerance is a two-way
street. That said, I would also like to say that I couldn't disagree
with him more when he states, "Legalizing marijuana would only serve
to make it more accessible"; quite the opposite is true and here's
why.

Cannabis (marijuana) is said to be the most frequently used illegal
drug by students. In spite of the fact that there is evidence
purported to say that cannabis is harmful, that evidence has been the
centre of much controversy as far as credibility is concerned.

Correlations between the frequency of the use of cannabis (by
students) and the manner in which cannabis is criminalized indicates
the frequency of use by students could only be because of the way
cannabis is made illicit.

Teens wouldn't think of treating alcohol in a similar fashion. Even if
they wanted to, the prospects of them buying from a retailer of
alcohol are about slim to none; they know this. The same can't be said
about the manner and ease which cannabis (marijuana) can be gotten by
teens.

Toleration is one thing; common sense is another matter
entirely.

Wayne Phillips

Communication Director, Educators For Sensible Drug Policy

Hamilton, Ont.