WE ALL MUST FIGHT DRUG USE

I support Sue Nadon (In no way should we legalize marijuana, The Standard,
June 17). Production, sale and use of marijuana are crimes. The small group
of people who can now use marijuana for health reasons (e.g. AIDS patients)
could easily obtain medication legally from a pharmacist that would be just
as effective as smoking up.

Niagara Region has a very serious drug problem. In eight years here, I have
seen several lives destroyed by drug use. Many say that marijuana is not a
gateway drug, but that is a myth promoted by leftover hippies who want to
get their fix easier.

Niagara Region has a very serious crime problem with the Mafia, Hells
Angels, Outlaws, and now some Asian gangs operating here, all making money
from the destruction of lives and the breakup of families. The two legal
drugs, tobacco and alcohol, are already a serious problem with our
children. Fortunately, there will soon be a 100 per cent ban on smoking in
all public buildings and workplaces in this region. However, tobacco is
still the greatest cause of preventable death in the world. While trying to
eradicate tobacco use among teens, should we be legalizing another drug?

Rather than legalizing marijuana, we need to speed up smoking bans,
increase penalties for selling tobacco to or purchasing for minors. The
government has announced increased taxes on tobacco and alcohol. We need
stronger laws to control any black market trade that may result from this.

We won't stop the criminal biker gangs, the Mafia, etc., by legalizing
marijuana.

Law-abiding citizens know who most of these criminals are. We all need to
do our civic duty and report these people to the authorities. The police
cannot deal with them alone; they need the help of the whole community.

Larry Lane

Geneva Street

St. Catharines