O, CANNABIS

Re "Canada may decriminalize small-scale pot possession," May 28: It is
most refreshing to see our neighbors to the north debating further steps
toward ending cannabis prohibition.

Last September's report recommended the legalization of cannabis,
dismissing decriminalization as a timid half-measure that will only
strengthen the black market. Then, members of Parliament, worried about
being called soft on drugs, promptly recommended decriminalization.

Canada's courts are removing stones from prohibition's foundation and are
finding something called a Charter of Rights. Courts in three provinces
hold that there exists no valid law against possession as drug war refugees
from California make credible claims for political asylum in Canada. And
Canada's Supreme Court has recently heard three full-strength cases and
will render verdicts that affect this issue directly.

Meanwhile, Uncle Sam dictates "reefer madness" propaganda war on cannabis
consumers globally, and threatens to back it up with an economic/trade war.

- - Jay Bergstrom, Sacramento