POT: TIME FOR NATIONAL DEBATE

We haven't changed our view against decriminalizing the possession of
marijuana.

This despite an SES/Sun Media poll last week that found almost seven in 10
Canadians favour decriminalization for small amounts of pot.

We agree with Tory MP Elsie Wayne that decriminalization sends the wrong
message to the young. And with Liberal MP Dan McTeague that, considering
the potentially damaging effects of alcohol both to individuals and
families, "do we need another form of mind-bending product that (is) going
to ruin people's lives?"

Such politically incorrect views inevitably attract the wrath and ridicule
of the pro-marijuana lobby, but that's beside the point.

We also agree with McTeague that there needs to be a national debate on the
issue.

And we'd argue that if there is to be one, then let it be an honest debate
- - not about the half-step of decriminalization, but about legalization.

We favour neither.

But we can see the argument of Robin Ellins, owner of the Friendly Stranger
paraphernalia store on Queen St. W., who told the Sun he favours legalization.

Sell it through licensed vendors, he says, and "it's the opportunity to
eliminate the black market and the criminal element ... And the government
gets the tax revenue."

Along with, we would add, the ability to establish quality control.

The federal government, which rakes in huge profits from tobacco taxes and
then self-righteously harasses tobacco firms while telling people not to
smoke, is in no position to make the moral case against raking in even more
taxes from legalizing marijuana.

To us, debating the issue of legalization, as a Senate committee has
already recommended, will properly focus the discussion on where
decriminalization will inevitably lead.

Obviously, decriminalization is not an end in itself for marijuana
proponents. They will then use that "victory" to make the case for what
they ultimately want - legalization.

So let's not kid the troops. And let's have an honest debate about this
issue from the start.