GIVE PEOPLE CHOICE OF USING MARIJUANA

Regarding the editorial, Pot law needs full study first (May 29).

It's not surprising The Free Press would echo the sentiments of most
regarding the Liberals decriminalization legislation. Ill- planned, poorly
thought out, the legislation is too soon and too fast.

The Free Press and the rest of the media are forgetting the two different
reports from two different levels of government that studied and looked at
the issue for years, both of which concluded our drug laws and application

of them are unjust, unfair and overkill with regard to the risk marijuana
use poses.

Politicians and police officials alike often cite children's welfare and the
danger marijuana would pose on our roads as the reason for keeping marijuana
use illegal. But I ask, how is it any different from now?

Ask any kid in school and they'll tell you they can get pot just about any
time, and that's while it's still illegal to possess, so what difference
would decriminalizing small amounts make in that situation?

The ability to possess won't change people's attitudes about driving while
intoxicated, if they already toke and drive. Whatever law is on the books
won't change that, stupidity doesn't pay attention to law.

If a person chooses to smoke or drink or eat fatty foods, the health risks
are their own. Draconian laws that punish people for choosing one lifestyle
over another have no place in a free society.

J. M. Shular

London