Editor:
Growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, I witnessed many of my peers using (marijuana). Often as a way to rebel against parents, teachers, and other authority figures of the day, while at the same time pushing the boundaries of what was socially acceptable. A couple of friends of mine tried it casually in high school, but that wasn’t enough so they then smoked it regularly. But then that wasn’t enough so they had to move on to something harder, such as cocaine or heroin. These people have ended up dead, in jail, on welfare, or in drug rehab.
These government backers could care less about responsible sale and distribution of marijuana, as long as the money rolls in, it’s just good business. The cannabis act (from) what I’ve read of it has some gray areas and many regulations can be exploited or nullified. The argument of taking profits away from organized crime is bogus, as they will simply move into something else.
Also, the added burden on the health-care system is something to consider given all the health risks associated with smoking it. In conclusion, after seeing where smoking marijuana leads, and who really controls its profits, I oppose marijuana legalization.
Ryan Dewey, New Westminster
