I refer to the Opinion page, Straits Times dated 13th January 2014.
Dear Straits Times (and Mr. Andy Ho in particular):
Please do not use the official newspaper to spread half-truths and support your government’s policy. Marijuana is NOT physically addictive. Users may develop a liking for it, but nobody ever becomes physically reliant on the herb. I myself have smoked pot on and off from age 17 till early 40s and have not used it for the last four or five years ever since returning to Singapore. I have no strong urge to smoke the weed, but if I were in a place where it was easily accessible and not a social taboo, I just might. I do not have violent criminal tendencies nor desire to break the law. So stop demonizing ganja. Its recreational (and medical) use have been in our Asian cultures for centuries and hemp grows naturally in many tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Colorado and soon other North American states/provinces are yielding to what has been strong public requests for legalization and to prevent the underworld from being the prime benefactors of the commerce in its trade and it might as well be the same for other countries in the world. The reason the black market still exists in Holland is because it is not totally legalised. Demand is still there. If you do not believe me, just walk into any public music concert and take a deep breath.
So Straits Times, I am not writing this to call for its legalization, but just need to air my view where I feel your newspaper is bullshitting crap in what might become official.
Cheers!
Dear Straits Times (and Mr. Andy Ho in particular):
Please do not use the official newspaper to spread half-truths and support your government’s policy. Marijuana is NOT physically addictive. Users may develop a liking for it, but nobody ever becomes physically reliant on the herb. I myself have smoked pot on and off from age 17 till early 40s and have not used it for the last four or five years ever since returning to Singapore. I have no strong urge to smoke the weed, but if I were in a place where it was easily accessible and not a social taboo, I just might. I do not have violent criminal tendencies nor desire to break the law. So stop demonizing ganja. Its recreational (and medical) use have been in our Asian cultures for centuries and hemp grows naturally in many tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Colorado and soon other North American states/provinces are yielding to what has been strong public requests for legalization and to prevent the underworld from being the prime benefactors of the commerce in its trade and it might as well be the same for other countries in the world. The reason the black market still exists in Holland is because it is not totally legalised. Demand is still there. If you do not believe me, just walk into any public music concert and take a deep breath.
So Straits Times, I am not writing this to call for its legalization, but just need to air my view where I feel your newspaper is bullshitting crap in what might become official.
Cheers!
