Pubdate: Wed, 17 May 2017 Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2017 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers Contact: http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531 Author: S. Rathwell Page: 7 MARIJUANA CAN HELP OUR ECONOMY Editor: This is in response to D. Simpson's letter in The Daily Courier on Monday, May 15, citing Matthew 15:11, "It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth." I'm sure that if God looks around the way the world works now, He would have more pressing matters than worrying about a little cannabis, which is a plant and not a drug, as it requires no tampering or time in a lab, unlike grains to make alcohol or poppies to make opium. You are accurate in stating that the government and politicians want to cash in on B.C.'s biggest cash crop, as well as the Hells Angels, illegal growers and organized crime.They want to keep the distribution in their hands to make the most profit, as they care for profit over any small concerns about the health of the citizens. Luckily, it is a hearty plant than can be grown indoors or out, in many climates. Growing and harvesting hemp could provide B.C. with many useful jobs to harvest and produce clothing, food, textiles, and a great pain-relieving medicine that does not kill thousands of people annually, unlike alcohol or tobacco. Our stressed out world is dying for new, effective, safe ways to relax and the solution is coming. If some choose to overindulge and create negative stigma for others, remember your Good Book, refrain from judging. "Judge not less ye be judged," and "let he is without sin cast the first stone." S. Rathwell, Kelowna - --- MAP posted-by: Matt