Pubdate: Thu, 31 May 2001 Source: Daily Press, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2001 Daily Press (CN ON) Contact: http://www.timminspress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1001 LEGALIZING DOPE IS DOPEY, COSTLY The Issue There is, as periodically happens, a push on to decriminalize marijuana, something that appeals to some of those who idealize the 60s. Now, an Alliance MP has introduced a private members bill removing criminal penalties for possession of pot and replacing them with fines of up to $1,000. What you should know: Marijuana, also called Cannabis sativa or pot, is more carcinogenic than tobacco. No only does it injure smokers more seriously than tobacco does, it also injures those who are exposed to it as second-hand smoke. The Canadian Police Association which represents 30,000 officers across Canada, says decriminalizing marijuana would increase drug usage and consequently increase crime. We live in a world which is becoming more and more concerned for safety and good health. It's a constant theme everywhere as we learn more about hazards and develop the technology to evade them. Standards for safety of firefighters, police, forestry workers, laboratory technologists and other employees are continually upgraded And many people take an active role, trying to ensure the safety of their community and world. Some protest the use of herbicides because they are concerned the chemicals might harm the environment. Some fight against the exploitation of the awesome and useful, but dangerous, power released by fracturing atoms nuclear power. But, in the midst of all this effort to create a safe world, Alliance MP Keith Martin, a medical doctor, has introduced a private members bill proposing the decriminalization of marijuana. His encouraging use of this drug seems totally irrational. Physicians uniformly oppose the use of tobacco. Why? The smoke produced by burning tobacco contains thousands of cancer-causing agents. Intensive education has curtailed tobacco use. Now restaurants and public buildings in many cities no longer permit smoking. It's well-known that burning marijuana produces even more cancer-causing agents in addition to the chemical which causes the mellowing (and unmotivating) dopiness dope smokers seek. Dope smokers argue they smoke much less marijuana. To those exposed to second-hand smoke, that's irrelevant. The increase in crime which the Canadian Police Association anticipates is another major concern about the legalization of marijuana. Not only does crime cause human suffering, it also costs money for the medical and justice systems, In the Netherlands, the legalization of marijuana resulted in skyrocketing crime statistics, press reports indicate. And lets face it, the decriminalization of marijuana is bound to eventually lead to the legalization of the drug. What society would deliberately strive to become more hazardous? What society would deliberately risk increased social service costs? It's irrational. Let's get real folks. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D