THIS IS NOT THE POT OF THE '70S

I would like to take issue with some of the points in Don Martin's recent
article (Enough of studies, it's time to end the war on cannabis, Nov. 6).
The hydroponically grown marijuana sold on the street today is a dangerous
and addictive drug. The toxic ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, always
measures in the high teens with many samples testing up to 25 per cent,
many times more potent than the marijuana Mr. Martin was charged with
possessing in 1974.

Police in Canada do not target individuals for simple possession of
cannabis. Almost all possession charges result from the drug being found at
the scene, subsequent to a stop or an arrest for another offence.

Further, a person does not have a criminal record in Canada unless they
have been fingerprinted and the prints are on file with the Canadian
Criminal Records Information Service in Ottawa. Fingerprints may only be
taken if a person is to be charged with an indictable offence (generally,
punishable by two years or more). Simple possession of marijuana (30 grams
or under) is a summary offence only.

Dennis Farrell

D/Commander (Rtd.) RCMP

Addictive Drug Information Council

Vancouver