DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA

It is encouraging to learn that, after decades of ad nauseam debate, our
Justice Minister has declared his intention to decriminalize the
cultivation and possession of small amounts of marijuana. I would encourage
members of the Canadian Police Association to examine the original
justification for marijuana prohibition before trashing the pending
legislation.

Most of the youthful fascination with pot originates with its illegality.
The suggestion that marijuana is a "gateway drug" is simply getting old, as
many would say alcohol is the real gateway drug. Adolescents have an
irresistible desire to experiment with naughty things, and by doing so help
those who make it a business to satisfy such cravings enjoy a lavish lifestyle.

The current law is significantly more detrimental to young minds than the
substance is. Decriminalization of pot is by far the most efficient method
of ridding Canadians of the "dealers" whose profits are guaranteed under
the current law, and of reducing the risk to youth of being exposed to
other drugs which are marketed by the same entrepreneurs.

David Keeling, Edmonton.