Dear Editor,
Re: “Au launches anti-cannabis crusade,” News, Oct. 20.
I want Coun. Chak Au to leave Prohibition era thinking back then where it belongs.
There is literally zero evidence that marijuana causes any negative ills for society.
Yes, illegalization of cannabis has led to untold negative issues, but look to Portugal for a destroyed society?
Bzzt! Just ain’t so! They’ve legalized all recreational drugs yet are still a vibrant society. They treat addictions as a health issue rather than a criminal one.
In all the millennia of history of cannabis use, the antis can’t find even one death attributed to the supposed poisons in marijuana.
Look no further than last week to find deaths directly linked to tobacco or alcohol use (both legal; I’ve not heard Au rail against either).
Do we truly want the American anti-cannabis culture in Canada, Mr. Au; where a minor indiscretion of using a relaxing substance can lead to 20 plus years in prison, with no job prospects for life?
Should you have been treated like that for having a single alcoholic drink?
What makes your choice of recreational drug special?
Cigarettes contain multiple cancer-causing agents.
Marijuana has been proven to be an effective cure for several cancers.
Let’s compare two people:
1. Don has a long hard week at work. Friday night he comes home, puts his feet up, indulges in some cannabis. Oops, he indulged more than expected, and fell asleep, giving his body the best opportunity to rest and recuperate from a long tough week.
2. Donny has a long hard week at work. Friday night he comes home, puts his feet up, and indulges in some alcohol. Oops, he indulged more than expected, and got angry, beat up his spouse and kids, then angrily took off in his car, drunk, and killed a family of six who were heading to the airport to pick up Nana.
You all know these scenarios to be realistic.
I write this plea to request all three levels of government fully legalizes and accepts cannabis. I am a non-indulger who has done his research, so as to discard any indefensible knee-jerk thinking on my part.
Legalize now, without reservation and reap the limitless benefits of a cheap and effective therapeutic drug, of drastically reduced policing (prison) costs, of calmer and happier citizens, and of an end to spurious anti-cannabis rhetoric.
George Pope
Richmond
