Pubdate: Sat, 10 Mar 2012 Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2012 Canwest Publishing Inc. Contact: http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/letters.html Website: http://www.calgaryherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66 Author: Eric Mannistu HAVE A JOINT Re: "Alberta leading drug search," March 9. I have a simple solution to the painkiller shortage that is safe, easy and economical. Legalize marijuana. It is not harmful to the body or mind and it has the added benefit of providing exceptional pain relief. Marijuana is not physically addictive like tobacco, alcohol and prescription drugs such as Oxy-contin. It creates calmness in its users as opposed to relaxing inhibitions like alcohol. Marijuana is not a gateway drug any more than alcohol is; the personality of the user is the gateway. I realize this proposal is unrealistic under the current social conservative agenda in this country, but the logic is sound. Marijuana is a natural organic alternative to prescription painkillers and safer than our current socially acceptable vices. Eric Mannistu Langdon - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.