DON'T DISMISS POT'S HARMFUL EFFECTS

Dear Editor - If it is the position of the Guelph Mercury that the
government should decriminalize cannabis, the least your editorial staff
could offer is a coherent argument as to why this would be in the best
interests of Canada, and the increasingly large number of youth who indulge
in this substance. Your attempt to articulate this position in the
editorial "Lightening up on cannabis use" (July 12, The Guelph Mercury) was
found particularly wanting.

To dismiss the harmful effects of marijuana and state that there is no
danger in smoking pot, simply because Ernie Eves has experimented, is both
intellectually lazy and professionally reckless.

Any analysis that does not examine the price that this drug exacts from
young Canadians is not only irresponsible, but ignores what should be the
crux of the debate.

I find appalling your willingness to mention the economic harm incurred
from drug-related hydro fraud, while remaining silent on the social impact
of marijuana use.

If cannabis is the innocuous herb that you would have your readers believe,
please offer some substantive evidence.

Your facile commentary went on to lament the difficulty in deciphering the
messages that emanate from government regarding marijuana policy. I was
equally perplexed in my attempt to identify your justification for
implicitly condoning the use of this drug.

Lucas Price

Guelph