SMOKING MARIJUANA IS NOT A CRIME.

Good move on the part of the federal government for finally introducing
some renewed cannabis laws. It appears this step is the appropriate one for
the change in attitudes toward marijuana. I only wish the justice minister
wasn't so quick in ruling out the possibility of full legalization. How
quickly he forgot the Senate report last September, which urged
legalization of marijuana.

Nonetheless, here we are more then a year later and finally taking the
first step. I do agree that a revamped national drug strategy is an ideal
thought; but perhaps it is merely that, just a thought. I question the
effectiveness of a drug strategy plan aimed at discouraging pot use among
teens when the fines for marijuana possession for young people are less
then that for adults. I doubt that any anti-drug campaign will be
effective, as people in general are inclined to make their own choices
depending on their own beliefs. But at least it is recognized now that
smoking marijuana is not a crime.

We have medicinal marijuana, which recognizes marijuana as having
therapeutic benefits. Who is to say that it only benefits certain medical
conditions, and not everyday, minor annoyances such as nausea, migraine
headaches, etc. It will be interesting to witness how the public's
attitudes will further change when this bill becomes the law. And as Mr.
Chretien plans to put forth a vote of confidence on this issue in the House
of Commons, I salute him as I consider this to be part of his lasting
legacy as the greatest prime minister this country has ever seen. Vive le
Canada!!!

Troy Dexter

Ottawa

(The best PM ever?!? He barely qualifies as the best Canadian PM this century!)