Pubdate: Sun, 08 Jul 2012
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2012 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/letters.html
Website: http://www.calgaryherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n336/a02.html
Author: Pat Atkins

JUST HIGH HOPES

Re: "Canadians at odds with PM on marijuana law, poll finds; Alberta 
most firmly against legalization," July 2.

I find it interesting the relatively high number of people who think 
marijuana should be legalized in Canada. I wish it were as simple as 
prosecuting people for having a small amount of marijuana.

First of all, unlike alcohol, there are no reliable measures of 
levels of drugs that can be administered on the roadside for 
individuals who are using, then driving. Drugs, including marijuana, 
are known to have significant effects on motor skills.

Are we OK with folks who are impaired on the road, but whose 
impairment can't easily be detected? Second, it is common sense that 
legalized marijuana will lead to more use (although Canada has one of 
the highest rates of adult cannabis use in the world.) This, in turn, 
will lead to more drug addiction.

Are we OK with using more of our scarce healthcare dollars for 
treatment? People quote the Netherlands as a model. How many people 
have been to Amsterdam and seen the open drug use in the streets? I 
have, hard drugs as well. Amsterdam has become a drug vacation mecca. 
Is that what we want in Calgary?

The Netherlands has decided to stop allowing the purchase of drugs by 
nonresidents for this reason. Why take this path to begin with? In 
reality, how many people are actually prosecuted for having a small 
amount of cannabis for their own use? Legalization is not the answer.

Pat Atkins,

Rocky View County
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom