Pubdate: Thu, 20 May 2010
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2010 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.calgarysun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n367/a03.html
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n371/a07.html
Page: 14
Author: Robert Sharpe

CANADA SHOULD BE ASHAMED

Canadian marijuana activist Marc Emery is now officially a political 
prisoner. ("Tinfoil hat delusion," Ian Robinson, May 16) If health 
outcomes determined drug laws instead of cultural norms, marijuana 
would be legal. At a time when state and local governments are laying 
off police, firefighters and teachers, the U.S. is prepared to spend 
a small fortune incarcerating Emery for five years. The Canadian 
government should be ashamed of its role in this travesty. There is 
no justification for criminalizing citizens who prefer marijuana to 
martinis. Marijuana prohibition has failed. The U.S. has higher rates 
of marijuana use than the Netherlands, where marijuana is legal. 
Canada should just say no to the American Inquisition.

Robert Sharpe

Common Sense for Drug

Policy, Washington, D.C.

(Don't underestimate the influence of "cultural norms.")
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart