GONE TO POT

As a high school teacher I work with young people who are receiving a clear
endorsement on the use of pot because of a reluctance to enforce the
present marijuana laws.

Anne McLellan's statements that use would go up following the weakening of
our drug laws are already coming true.

It is now not uncommon to have students arrive to an 8:30 a.m. class
smelling like pot. When this first started, the administration tried to do
something, but the students said they were victims of second -hand smoke
and were not actually smoking it themselves.

I feel sad, because I know their new drug-induced lethargy is affecting
their ability and desire to learn. Further, it seems incredibly ironic that
if you smoke tobacco it is bad for your health, but if you substitute it
with this other medicinal plant, it suddenly becomes a healthy experience
that aids in curing most of life's problems.

Finally, according to a Vancouver radio station, leaked information on the
new government law suggested the law would allow limited use of pot while
driving. The station further stated a simple fine would enforce the new
marijuana law, but the fine would be lower for young people than adults.

As of April 1 in Alberta, teens caught smoking tobacco are charged a fine
of $100. If the station's information is true, it seems conceivable that
the fine for smoking a small amount of pot would be less than smoking a
cigarette.

I think we have enough problems is society without fostering an increased
use of marijuana, especially among our youth.

Wes Irwin

Grande Prairie