SENATE MAKES THE RIGHT CALL ON POT

It's about time. I support and applaud the Senate committee's
recommendation to legalize the use of marijuana.

I am a middle-aged professional who tried grass for the first time when I
was 14, at about the same age as many teenagers try smoking cigarettes. At
first, it didn't have any effect on me, but after a few attempts, I found
it relaxed me and stimulated my appetite. These were benefits for me
because I am ordinarily hyper and was anorexic before I tried it. Contrary
to what I read about marijuana at the time, it was not a stepping-stone to
hard drugs and did not induce hallucinations or a loss of self-control.

I continued to "smoke up" socially throughout university while remaining an
honours student because I found it was a good way to unwind after studying
or working on assignments for hours. I was arrested for possession of a
small quantity but was fortunately acquitted, likely because I dressed up
in my Sunday best, my parents accompanied me to court and I was an
excellent student.

It's a shame that many others who were busted with similarly small
quantities were convicted and burdened with a criminal record.

I still "indulge" when I can afford it and when good quality marijuana is
available because grass helps me to relax, reflect and release my
creativity. I agree that it is less harmful than alcohol and I know it is
not addictive.

Marijuana was responsible for making me quit smoking tobacco; even though
it does not contain nicotine, the harsh sensation of inhaled marijuana
smoke was an effective replacement for cigarette smoke, loaded with
carcinogenic chemicals. I would never smoke marijuana before work or while
driving a motorized vehicle, but I have gone biking under the influence and
found that my senses and alertness were enhanced, so I was very observant
of cars and pedestrians and therefore, safe.

Finally, I would rather pay a government outlet the price of good quality,
regulated marijuana to raise more tax revenues to pay for our exceptional
social programs than some enterprising dealer. I'm certain police officers
would rather spend their valuable time pursuing dangerous criminals than
pot smokers.

Perhaps the Canadian Police Association is so fiercely opposed to
legalization of marijuana because it fears that Canada would not need as
many police officers to enforce petty misdemeanours and layoffs could
result. I believe the police should focus more on protecting Canada from
the threat of terrorists, pedophiles, rapists and murderers.

Marie Cote, Kitchener