REHABILITATE MARIJUANA USERS, DON'T IMPRISON THEM

Letters to the Editor - Skeptics predict that decriminalizing the
controlled substance marijuana will not happen soon.

An Ottawa Commons committee has recommended that people be allowed to
possess up to 30 grams of marijuana without risking criminal prosecution.

A criminal record not only adds to legal costs but also adds disruption to
all those involved in the criminal process system, for instance employers,
family and friends.

There is a loss of trust and as part of a criminal record conviction, entry
into the United States is denied.

As adamant proponents against marijuana drug reform, let us, as intelligent
and knowledgeable citizens, lobby our lawmakers for amendments to the
Criminal Code of Canada.

We must convince the federal legislature to reform and rehabilitate those
who are convicted of marijuana possession, so that part of the sanction
would include these positive aspects rather than a penalty of imprisonment.

Rather than flood the market with another illegal drug with all the
detrimental negative side effects, let us collectively continue to support
prevention and treatment programs and lobby for adequate funding to keep
these programs in place, for the remarkable work that is already in progress.

Only a concerted effort by all people will bring success to programs that
teach team building skills and promote positive addictions such as sports,
music and other positive means of getting a natural high. It is the way we
can hope to eradicate the illicit use of drugs.

Let all of us who know the difference continue to promote the adverse
effects of marijuana use.

With a concerted effort to the cause, the need to promote the
decriminalization of marijuana use in the amount of 30 grams will not be an
issue.

Let us use our knowledge and funding to promote positive change by not
promoting efforts to bring more illegal drugs into the realm of the legal
category.

Elaine M. Lesage, Garden River, Ont.