CHANGES URGED IN PROPOSED POT BILL

I don't believe anyone should support the proposed legislation to
decriminalize the possession of a small amount of marijuana.

This legislation is really legalizing the consumption of marijuana
since it would no longer be a crime to have it in one's possession.
I'm against this legislation because I don't believe we need
artificial stimulants since they impair one's judgment. Stimulants
lead to accidents and disabilities and it is the taxpayers who will
foot the bill for the increased cost to our health-care and pension
systems.

Further, impaired judgment can lead to spousal abuse: I'm told
marijuana has the same effect on a person as alcohol and most spousal
abuse occurs when alcohol is involved.

I accept that people make mistakes, like to experiment and should be
given a second chance. So a criminal record for being in possession of
pot once could be too drastic a penalty. Thus, the legislation should
be passed in a form where it stipulates someone who has been found in
possession of pot twice will be criminally charged.

Michelle Hyde

London