HOW WE DIFFER ON MARIJUANA

Re: Don't push U.S. on pot, Aug. 3.

Your editorial states: "We (Canada and the U.S.) owe each other
co-operation in making sure the effects of our differing values stay on our
respective sides of the border."

This is exactly what Marc Emery's supporters would like to see happen.

Canada has not prosecuted anyone for selling seeds since 1968. In 1987,
Canadian courts ruled that a seven-year mandatory minimum sentence for
importing or exporting is unconstitutional. Canada has not charged Mr.
Emery with a single crime in this case. In fact, Health Canada has referred
its medical-marijuana patients to the Internet for their seed supply. We
here in Canada accept that marijuana has medicinal value.

Because of these differences, it makes no sense for Canada and the United
States to co-operate on an extradition charge involving pot seeds. A
10-year-to-life sentence in the United States compared to no charges in
Canada is also evidence of our differing values, and the injustice of this
case against Mr. Emery.

Jessica Aulthouse,

Port Colborne