CRIMINAL CODE NOT BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH MARIJUANA USE, SAY SOME HT READERS

Reasoned action, not more debate about cannabis, is what Canada
deserves. Who cares why media cast prohibition as a failure.

The only reason expressed for why cannabis remains a crime comes as no
surprise. Though it does not bear out, it is typical of what is
believed. I suppose that's because "reefer madness" propaganda
orchestrated, in part, by the government sycophants, plays off our
proclivity to protect offspring. Considering the use of cannabis by
the vast majority of adults has no bearing on youth, the idea that
more children would smoke it if it weren't a crime is really muddled
logic.

"Messages" are deemed credible, or not, based on experiential
validation, not agitprop. A legalized exemption regime making cannabis
available only to those over the age of 16, or 18 where applicable,
would bring home (for most) a twofold "message" that: 1. contributing
to the delinquency of a minor is a serious offense that will not be
tolerated and that 2. using cannabis is a qualified decision
unavailable to youth.

The ad hoc inclusion of cannabis in the Controlled Drugs and
Substances Act perniciously foists absolutes upon the fabric of
Canadian contemporary society. It is these absolutes which are
responsible for conditions ideal to black-market activities where
competing factions vie for control of turf, not with lawyers in
courtrooms, but with guns and violence in the streets. These absolutes
are also responsible for an environment conducive to dealers setting
up shop in any playground, schoolyard, mall, or neighbourhood; often
with the explicit intent of enticing youth into experimentation and
even distribution. Those apprehended only make room for others willing
to step up is evidenced by the fact that both supply of and demand for
cannabis (and other illicit substances) remains unabated in spite of
enforcement.

With all the resources, both human and financial, and effort already
expended over the last, say 20 years, it is evident that the outright
ban on cannabis will continue to be based on a contrived mishmash of
lies, hysterics and power trips. The degree of cannabis toleration in
Canada will continue to be in direct ratio to any intestinal fortitude
elected officials muster from the shadow of our neighbour to the south.

Wayne Phillips

Hamilton, Ont.