HEMP IS NOT A DRUG

Regarding decriminalization, I have consumed hydroponically grown lettuce,
herbs and tomatoes. The flavour or quality has not been concentrated by
hydroponics. On the contrary, I find hydroponic products bland. The high
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels in pot was bred into it by old-fashioned
plant breeding. Just like the zero per cent THC level was bred into hemp.

Hemp is not a drug. It contains high levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
If I grow one one-per cent THC hemp plant in my garden, I could face
criminal charges. One needs a permit to grow hemp and growers, by
government decree, have to grow thousands of plants. Thus, I can't grow
hemp. But I can buy its products in a grocery store.

Would decriminalization lead to a drug culture? We are living in a drug
culture now. Look at all the ads for drugs that will make you feel better.

Oxycontin, Ritalin, and Talwin are legally manufactured. Can the diversion
of these drugs into illegal use be constrained by restricting their
manufacture? No. That would be against free enterprise and thus against the
law.

There was an argument against the decriminalization of hemp that it would
be mixed with marijuana and thus all control over this benign drug would be
lost. However, if high THC pot is bred with zero per cent hemp, this is
what would happen. The certified hemp seed would become illegal and thus
useless. And the pot would become weaker and thus less desirable.

Ken Walton

Kitchener