SENATE POT REPORT SEES ISSUE CLEARLY

Relying on quotes from the Canadian Police Association, the UN Office for
Drug Control and Crime Prevention and an officer with the Vancouver Police,
columnist Susan Martinuk fails to recognize them as touts -- dependent on
pay arising from the continuing system of treating drug use as a criminal
matter.

If they were the only source of information, we would all reach the
conclusions she enthusiastically parrots.

However, the erudite Senate Committee interviewed more than 200 witnesses,
many of them health experts, in reaching its conclusions.

Being more inclusive and open allowed for a clearer view of the situation.

From this, they determined cannabis use should be treated as a health
issue, and that the continuing prohibition produces more societal harms
than benefits.

Discerning readers should evaluate the report for themselves, if only the
summary report, rather than follow the writings of a columnist who can't
distinguish the disingenuous diatribe of touts from the earnest, inclusive
and competent Senate Committee.

Richard Spaan, New Westminster