IS POT THE WAY TO GO FOR CANADIANS?

As the Canadian government moves closer to closing the deal on legalizing
marijuana, many people need to question if this is the right move for this
country. Legalizing small quantities of pot may or may not be socially
acceptable or responsible on behalf of this Liberal government.

The medicinal aspect to pot can be argued for years, which it has been, but
socially is Chretien sending out the right message to millions of Canadians?

According to the website, www.medicalmarihuana.ca, the first question
brought to light is, "Who is eligible to use medical marijuana?" It lists
on the site that the Health Canada regulations have three categories of
people who can apply to possess marijuana for medical purposes, applicants
who have terminal illnesses with a prognosis of life span of less than 12
months. A medical practitioner must provide a medical declaration that
states among other things, that all conventional treatments have been tried
or considered; applicants who suffer from specific symptoms associated with
certain serious medical conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis - severe
pain and/or persistent muscle spasms. Spinal cord Injury - severe pain
and/or persistent muscle spasms, Spinal Cord Disease - severe pain and/or
persistent muscle spasms, cancer - severe pain, cachexia, anorexia, weight
loss, and/or severe nausea. AIDS/HIV infection - severe pain, cachexia,
anorexia, weight loss, and/or severe nausea, severe forms of Arthritis and
Epilepsy.

Now marijuana users who fall under these categories may take up a small
percentage of Canada's population, so what about the rest of drug users
that see marijuana as a recreational drug? And, can this be compared with
alcohol? Many people refer to having a social drink from time to time, so
is it possible to have a social puff?

Responsibly, where can society draw the line? Alcohol is highly dangerous
when put into the wrong hands, such as alcoholics. So what about
marijuana, if it falls into a drug abuser's hands? Sure alcohol is a legal
drug and so is tobacco, but it doesn't make it right or healthy to the
public. Maybe some of these people who suffer from the aforementioned
diseases have exhausted their resources in living comfortable life without
pain.

The main concern should be the thousands, maybe a million, that see the
government's move to legalize pot as a chance to abuse. And if pot is
considered no big deal to society and to our government, how many years
will it take for cocaine or speed to become socially acceptable.