Pubdate: Tue, 10 Jun 2003
Source: Coquitlam Now, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003Lower Mainland Publishing Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thenownews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1340
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n880/a06.html
Author: Matthew Hulett
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)

NO REASON TO DELAY POT REFORM

Re: Lisa Wei's My Generation column Saturday, May 31, "Cannabis Bill Raises 
More Questions Than Answers."

Every point raised against decriminalization of marijuana possession has 
been asked, answered and rejected by superior arguments in scholarly major 
drug policy works. Every major drug policy work done in the past 60 years 
and more has recommended decriminalization, or legalization, of marijuana 
possession.

I have a few facts for the author and your readers to ponder. Between five 
per cent and 12 per cent of drivers will drive stoned. This percentage may 
rise to 20 per cent for those under 25. Scientific data shows that 
marijuana users overcompensate for their quite minor two-hour impairment by 
driving more slowly and cautiously. Speeding and careless driving kills 
more people on our roads than any other behaviour. Ironically, it would 
appear that the more people who drive stoned, the more safe roads will be.

Nevertheless, given public attitudes, a Canadian Senate committee 
recommended developing effective tests for detecting marijuana impairment 
in drivers. An effective saliva test is on the horizon. There is no good 
reason to delay marijuana policy reform because this test needs time to be 
perfected.

Matthew Hulett, Brick, N.J.
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MAP posted-by: Jackl