Pubdate: Thu, 07 Dec 2006
Source: Chatham Daily News, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 OSPREY Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.chathamdailynews.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1627
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1654/a07.html
Author:  Russell Barth

BUST MAKES NO SENSE

SIR: Re: "Business busted; Police seize $23,000 worth of drug
paraphernalia," Dec. 5 Chatham Daily News.

As a federal medical marijuana license holder who is also married to
one, I was surprised by your Dec. 5 story.

First of all, marijuana smoking devices are sold in stores all over
Canada, and on line. Sure, it might be officially illegal, but then so
what? Since marijuana is legal for medical purposes, and medical users
like myself need to get pipes and papers somewhere, busting this store
might violate the Charter Rights of any medical users who may have
patronized it.

That said, I firmly believe that all adult-oriented materials like
tobacco, alcohol merchandise, smoking devices, and other adult-themed
things should be out of the reach - and out of the line of sight - of
children.

But as long as we bust pot people, while still allowing beer companies
to advertise during Hockey Night In Canada, we are a hypocritical
"drug culture," and deserve everything we get.

Russell Barth
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake