IT'S TIME TO END THE WAR ON CANNABIS

Canada's Senators are now echoing what the public has known for years:
cannabis is not as harmful as the prohibition laws. Recently published
research is also bringing cannabis advocates and scientists together to
agree this herb is a safe medical and recreational alternative to legal drugs.

These studies add to the growing body of scientific evidence being used in
court cases to prove that the prohibition of cannabis is costly,
unreasonable, unsuccessful and harmful to human health and civil society.
The new science constantly reinforces ideals held by cannabis activists,
while providing the entire population with intelligent arguments for
sensible drug policies.

Countries around the world are slowly changing prohibition laws based upon
sound economic, legal, medical and social evidence which shows that the
current criminal law prohibiting certain substances is counterproductive.

In a U.K. study of police officers, half admitted to previously using
cannabis, with most in agreement that the prohibition laws harmed relations
between police and youth. On April 20, Amnesty International joined the
growing chorus with a motion denouncing the "War On Drugs" as a failure
which contributes to poverty, violence and drug abuse.

Meanwhile, alcohol, as shown by the new research done by the solicitor
general, contributes to far more violent incidents than any other legal or
illegal substance. However, if we want to claim to live in a free country
we have to allow people to make decisions about their own bodies.

At the same time, legal pharmaceutical drugs are often toxic and addictive,
with a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association
showing that many new approved medical drugs are potentially damaging or
even lethal. The costs of new drugs is also of concern. The health-care
system is strained to the financial limit, with prescription pills being
one of the most expensive budget items.

The use of cannabis, on the other hand, has never in recorded history been
directly responsible for a single death. Many have died, however, under the
hand of violent law-enforcement agents, or in conflict with criminal
organizations and governments, with a few perishing under the influence of
the plant in unfortunate accidents.

For the most part, cannabis is known throughout the world as a relaxing,
healing, benign plant with a wide variety of potential uses.

The medical benefits of eating and smoking cannabis, combined with the
relaxing and artistically inspiring qualities of the plant, are very well
documented. As a preventive medicine, eating cannabis has more potential
benefits than advocates dare suggest.

While excessive smoking can result in some severe lung and throat problems,
the vast majority of these problems are related to smoking poor quality
cannabis or the use of inappropriate smoking techniques or equipment.

There are many legitimate concerns regarding youth and the use of both
legal and illegal drugs. For some youths, drugs are used to rebel or
escape. Youths also harm their physical, emotional and social development
by using drugs too early.

Unfortunately, prohibition is generally contributing to youth drug
experimentation, addiction and abuse. Education, honesty and demonstrating
appropriate behaviour patterns of substance use are the best tools a role
model can use to help youths live healthy, productive lives.

Changes in drug policy within Health Canada appear to be allowing a few
individuals with medical problems access to cannabis. The courts have
recognized that cannabis is a necessary medicine for some Canadians. Health
Canada's compassion has been forced by court decision, and is actually not
a compassionate program at all.

Anne McLellan, federal health minister, recently announced the cannabis
being grown in Flin Flon, Man., will only be given to those involved in
research months, or even years, from now. In the meantime, there will be no
legal source of cannabis.

The laws were created, and can only be changed, by people elected to act in
the best interests of citizens.

Victoria city council recently proved how accountable and accessible, yet
powerless, municipal governments are when they unanimously passed a
resolution supporting the medical use of cannabis. While the almighty
federal government protects the industrial status quo, taxpayers fork out
$5 billion per year to cover costs associated with the war on drugs, as
estimated by the auditor general of Canada. The real costs are felt every
day by people from every walk of life.

We can no longer afford this "war on" people who use some "drugs." Health,
peace and prosperity are possible using responsible drug policies that
guide individuals towards intelligent decisions.

*Ted Smith is head consultant for Victoria's Hempology 101 Society, founder
of the Cannabis Buyers Clubs of Canada, and faces six charges of
trafficking in cannabis.