GREAT ASSET

Dear Editor:

Christian Thibaudeau writes, "Perhaps if there were fewer people on dope,
this country would not be in such a mess" (Sept. 25 letter), suggesting
that people who are "on" dope make poor decisions.

If by "dope," he is referring to marijuana, I don't believe that you can be
"on" dope any more than you can be "on" painkillers or "on" alcohol.
Important decisions shouldn't be made stoned, just like they shouldn't be
made drunk.

Any chemical entering our body affects the way we think and act. Why pick
on a naturally growing plant? Scientifically, marijuana simulates a
chemical in humans that stimulates the right-brain cells and makes people
feel good. The right brain is thought to be involved in the creation of new
ideas and in artistic expression. Marijuana also is a proven painkiller and
appetite stimulant, important in pain treatment.

With all these benefits, you would have Canadians waste millions of dollars
arresting "criminals" who benefit from the use of the drug. Maybe that
money has better uses - i.e., health care and environmental protection
programs.

The criminalization of marijuana not only wastes taxpayer money and
prosecutes innocent people, but because it is illegal, people are forced to
buy from insecure sources, which could be linked to terrorist organizations.

Marijuana is a great asset to life on this planet and, if used wisely, we
all stand to benefit. It also makes people laugh, which most people don't
do often enough.

Jason Crewe, Halifax