Pubdate: Sun, 22 Dec 2002 Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership Contact: http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329 Author: Jean-Pierre Allard Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) SERIOUS THINKING I agree with decriminalizing marijuana's use and possession, especially for purely medicinal purposes or for recreational use, considering that a large proportion of Canada's citizens, including some very notorious people, seemingly indulge in the weed. But please, let's think this one out before allowing anyone to use it liberally, without any fear of damaging effects, especially the nation's youth, who are, lest we have forgotten, the builders of tomorrow's society. Aren't youngsters having enough problems facing tough career choices, struggling at school or simply trying to cope within a dysfunctional family, without further exacerbating what is already a deteriorating situation? And has anyone thought as to how effectively we will be able to control its consumption when this activity, which can take less than a minute at times, can be virtually practised any time of day or any place, and inconspicuously at that? And what about increased health care costs? There is ample medical evidence that women on birth control pills who also smoke cigarettes will see their risk of suffering a stroke increase significantly if marijuana is added to the mix. Yet, we seem to ignore that. And how many more people will eventually become obese from coming down with those late-night, acute cases of "the munchies" after toking, and thereby increase their risks for life-threatening heart disease? Yet another issue in this boiling pot is the equally severe dangers of smoking dope and driving. But thanks to government information campaigns that naively continue to perpetuate the myth of drinking and driving, many people still do not realize that a significant percentage of road and water accidents can be attributed to drugs also and not just alcohol. Seems to me that we have some more serious thinking to do before even contemplating its decriminalization. All we need is a joint effort to get it right this time. Jean-Pierre Allard (So to speak -- but honestly, the issue's been debate enough) - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager