Pubdate: Wed, 21 Nov 2012
Source: Saanich News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Saanich News
Contact:  http://www.saanichnews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1209
Author: Ken Lane

PAPER'S POSITION ON POT IS IRRESPONSIBLE

Re: Time for a change to B.C. pot laws (Our View, Nov. 9)

Research and discovery of the harms associated with the use of crude 
smoked marijuana continues to implicate cannabis as a causative 
factor in the development of mental illnesses among users of 
marijuana, particularly schizophrenia and psychosis.

For community leaders, current and former government officials, 
newspaper editors, and others to consider promoting a public policy 
that reduces the restrictions on distributing marijuana with 
implications that it is not a harmful and addictive drug, creates an 
obligation to perform due diligence before promoting or endorsing 
such a position.

There exists an abundance of studies and research supporting the 
harms of marijuana, as well as sufficient historical data.

Keep in mind that of the 13 U.S. states that have passed legislation 
or ballot initiatives allowing marijuana for alleged medical use, 
eight of those states are ranked in the top ten states for past month 
marijuana use by persons aged 12 or older.

And of those same 13 states, eight are rated in the top 10 with the 
lowest perception of risk in using marijuana among persons aged 12 or older.

Ken Lane

Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom