News

Still, Two-Thirds Don't Smoke Pot, Say Results of Survey in County The percentage of Henry County Schools high school students who say they smoke marijuana every day has increased dramatically in the last few years, and some other measures of marijuana use also have increased significantly, all mirroring national trends.

GUELPH - The Wellington-Guelph Drug Strategy is exploring the feasibility of a drug treatment court in Guelph after successful ventures in Kitchener, London and larger centres like Toronto and Edmonton.

Cannabis Crusader Has Been in Europe Since 2009 AMHERST - A series of drug charges against an Athol man who says he's exiled in Europe have been withdrawn.

DRUG DEALER ATTACKED AND 'THE FIGHT WAS ON,' WITNESS TESTIFIES A former Toronto drug squad officer has told a cop corruption trial he never viciously beat a prisoner, as alleged, but simply defended himself in a "brawl."

Opinions

This past Sunday, the Eagle-Gazette published an article that showed just how frustrating the drug problem is for local authorities.

Medical Marijuana Laws Will Invite Exploitation As Long As the Drug Is Illegal Medical marijuana laws in Oregon and California, enacted by voters with the best of intentions, are running into trouble. The details differ because the laws do, but the root causes are the same: The impulse to make money is stronger than the desire to help suffering patients, and "back door legalization" tempts recreational users to take advantage of a system designed to relieve pain and suffering.

The call for legalization-or at least decriminalization-of marijuana in B.C. is getting louder. Recently eight B.C. mayors-including James Baker of Lake Country, Robert Sawatzky of Vernon, Chris Pieper of Armstrong, Howie Cyr of Enderby, John Ranns of Metchosin on Vancouver Island, Darrell Mussamotto of the City of North Vancouver, Burnaby's Derek Corrigan and Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson-released a letter they had all signed calling on Victoria to tax and regulate the drug as a way to stop gang violence in this province and help make communities safer.

Hardly a week goes by these days without more calls for legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana. Most recently former Prince George mayor Colin Kinsley was quoted as saying he supports decriminalization of marijuana. Current mayor Shari Green has opted out of the debate, saying it's a federal issue.

Letters

Selling and possessing marijuana is still a federal crime. Selling marijuana near a school is an elevated crime. Does the federal government prohibit the sale of alcohol and tobacco within a thousand feet of a school?

As an educated, conservative housewife and writer with fibromyalgia, I may not seem a likely medical marijuana candidate. Yet, 15 months ago I went from debilitating pain, migraines, panic attacks, memory issues, depression and exhaustion, to fully functioning in just days.

This is regarding an article stating: "The financial incentives created by civil asset forfeiture laws create a dangerous precedent" (Telegram & Gazette, May 1). Police can confiscate cars, cash and homes without bothering to charge owners with a crime. Vague allegations of drug trafficking don't justify turning protectors of the peace into financial predators. The drug war threatens the integrity of a country founded on the concept of limited government.

It is regrettable that in the editorial of April 28, The Daily Courier chose to take a number of cheap shots at the thoughtful and politically courageous B.C. mayors who are calling for the decriminalization, taxation and strict regulation of marijuana.

If the U.S. Congress was smart, it would jump on legalizing the marijuana plant and start two profitable businesses that could give a boost to our economy instead of a boost to China's and the cartels' economy.

Re: Pot legalization advocates fail to convince school trustee, Letters, May 9 Mandatory minimum imprisonment and criminal records for growing more than five pot plants are not preferable to legalization and education.

Re: Pot legalization advocates fail to convince school trustee, Letters, May 9 I, too, share Ted Cooper's concern about the effect marijuana has on developing adults.