CANADA WON'T BE HIGHEST FOR LONG

Re: "Canada scores high on herb " (Gazette, July 10).

Bravo, Canada! In the perpetual friendly combat between our countries
to be No. 1 on this or that social issue, it appears for the moment
that you've bested us with your, um, higher rates of cannabis consumption.

It's probably reasonable to conclude cannabis-use levels are likely
very similar across North America. But here in the U.S., a wide range
of criminal and social sanctions can be levied against any adult who
publicly acknowledges a preference for marijuana over martinis. So
it's also reasonable to conclude Americans will under-report their
true use of the bud.

Just wait until we succeed in ending marijuana prohibition in the
lower 48. Americans will then be able to reply to survey questions
more honestly and before you know it, your days as kings of cannabis
consumption will be but a smoky memory.

If you folks take the loss in good spirit, we might then be willing
to let you win at least one Stanley Cup in exchange.

Stephen Heath

Clearwater, Fla.