PLEASE DON'T LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

The Editor,

I am writing you about the current decision by the senate standing committee
to legalize marijuana. I am going to sound like a nerd because the position
I'm taking is unpopular with the current popular culture. Also, I think that
if marijuana is legalized it would be like opening a Pandora's box, that
once open, it will never be able to be closed again.

I was surprised when I heard in the news that a senate standing committee
recommended to the current government that small possession of marijuana
should be legalized to any person 16 years or older.

This was surprising because you have to be 19 to buy cigarettes. Also, did
the government take into thought that people will have to go to drug dealers
because of the fear they might be seen walking into a government-run
marijuana store by people they know?

Is this the type of store you want in the mall supported by your tax
dollars. And, with 16-year olds being able to buy marijuana, this could mean
that even more drugs could end up in our schools and in the hands of people
younger than 16.

In conclusion, I think if we legalize marijuana for recreational use it will
be taking a giant step backwards and I hope the senate comes to its senses
and stops any legalization of marijuana.

Bradley Hetsier

Thunder Bay