Mr. Zimmer's reasons for his opposition to marijuana legalization beg for rebuttal:

1) Marijuana (MJ) as a gateway drug - does Mr. Zimmer have evidence for this or is it just a feeling that he has? One assumes that Mr. Zimmer prefers MJ users to get their supply from drug dealers as opposed to a government-controlled outlet. Dealers sometimes also sell cocaine, heroin etc. What a great way to introduce other drugs.

2) Legalizing MJ "is just going to put it into the hands of more young people". Where is the evidence? Other jurisdictions have not found this to be the case and MJ is very easy to get even now when it is illegal. Mr. Zimmer as much as confirmed this when he referred to his students.

3)Criminals will just move onto other things if MJ is legalized. Does Mr. Zimmer think that criminals have not already "moved onto other things"? Opponents of MJ legalization often argue that legalization will not solve all issues of drug use and criminal activity. Well, of course not.

There are many other reasons to legalize MJ. Go to stoptheviolencebc.org

It is regrettable that both Mr. Zimmer and Mr. Harris have forgotten the Reform/Alliance/Conservative parties' promise that their MP's would represent the views of their constituents rather than their own. Ninety two per cent is a pretty loud message.

L.M. Cook, M.D.

Prince George