Editor:
Re: Study effects of marijuana, Jan. 10.
While I can appreciate Steinberg and Sterle, Jr.’s concerns, it must be remembered that according to DEA Judge Francis L. Young, “Marijuana is the safest therapeutically active substance known to man… safer than many foods we commonly consume.” ( Sept. 6, 1988)
Moreover, that research into cannabis had been terminated in 2007 in conjunction with the government’s anti-drug strategy. This occurred in spite of concerns from within the legalization movement, whose proponents have consistently called for open and unbiased study regarding cannabis.
The harms attributed to cannabis are the direct result of legislation which governs it.
Prohibition has demonized cannabis and criminalized those who use it since its inception, yet it has failed to demonstrate itself capable of safeguarding either youth, the community or the taxpayer.
Prohibition empowers violent gangs while undermining good governance and faith in our political leaders.
Stop the Violence BC (http://stoptheviolencebc.org/), The Vienna Declaration (http://www.viennadeclaration.com/about/backgrounder/) and The International Centre for Science in Drug Policy (http://www.icsdp.org/) are three sites which provide the science supporting sensible drug policy.
Wayne Phillips, Communications Director, Educators For Sensible Drug Policy, Hamilton, On.