Pubdate: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 Source: Medicine Hat News (CN AB) Copyright: 2002 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc. Contact: http://www.medicinehatnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1833 Author: Charmaine Wood LEGALIZATION MISGUIDED The Canadian government is now in the ill-advised process of decriminalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Despite some claims of benefit by users, this would be a mistake. In all the rhetoric surrounding the legalization controversy, I have not noticed any mention of marijuana's negative effects. Besides being addictive, it impairs motor, visual and mental functions. Chronic users may become listless and unmotivated, and in extreme cases psychotic. Cannabis contains 425 different substances which all have some effect on body organs. Its legalization would start a downward trend. Starting with medical use, we also would soon be tolerating recreational use, which has no redeeming value. Also, the nefarious drug trade would be legitimized. Further, most cocaine and heroin addicts begin their drug experimentation with marijuana - -- not something to be encouraged. The government should listen to the voices of wisdom in this matter. Canada's police departments, which will be charged with implementing the new law, will find it undermining their ability to combat the destructiveness of drug abuse and the drug trade. Medicine Hat's police chief is one who recently expressed misgivings about the prospect. Moreover, the U.S. government considered the same measure a decade ago but decisively rejected it. The Senate is supposed to be a place of sober second thought. In its present role as the foremost promoter of marijuana it is entirely out of character. It has been said in marijuana's favour that it is no more toxic than alcohol, a legal substance. To compare it to a substance which can cause traffic accidents, destroy vital organs, cloud mental function, cause cancer and mental retardation, incite domestic violence, and rob from the economy is hardly a recommendation. Charmaine Wood is a member of the Medicine Hat News community editorial board. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh