Pubdate: Mon, 23 Dec 2002 Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2002 Calgary Herald Contact: http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66 Author: Jean-Pierre Allard PROBLEMS WITH POT Re: "Court awaits clarity on pot law," Dec. 14. Before decriminalizing marijuana, shouldn't we consider its potentially injurious effects, especially on youth? Has anyone thought as to how effectively we will be able to control its consumption when this activity, unlike alcohol, can be practised any time, any place and inconspicuously? What about increased health-care costs? There is ample medical evidence that women on birth control pills who also smoke cigarettes are more at risk of suffering a stroke. Do we really want to add marijuana to that potent mix? Despite government information campaigns that perpetuate the myth of drinking and driving as the major contributing factor for road and water accidents, smoking and driving is equally perilous. Jean-Pierre Allard Ottawa - --- MAP posted-by: Beth