Pubdate: Sat, 10 Aug 2013 Source: Toronto Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2013 The Toronto Star Contact: http://www.thestar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n385/a03.html Author: Warren Dalton POT: TO LEGALIZE OR NOT Re: Legalizing pot, endorsing stupidity, Aug. 7 Is this column about the inappropriateness of legalizing pot or the shortcomings of Justin Trudeau as the Liberal leader? Trudeau is "the political embodiment of stupid?" Because Trudeau has an alternative to the time-consuming expense of policing the use and possession of pot, Rosie DiManno has chosen to ridicule Justin Trudeau by suggesting that "maybe he should fire up a reefer and ponder it some more," in reference the fact that his thinking about dope has "evolved." I have never tried pot and never had the inclination to do so. Quitting "regular"cigarettes was, for me, difficult enough. The smell of this substance is nauseating to me when I have had the misfortune to be near someone who was smoking it. But I think that Mr. Trudeau has an idea worth considering. By not having pot legalized, we are ensuring that some young people, who may be in possession of this drug when stopped by police, could be be saddled with a criminal record that will affect their future employment. The financial savings alone would merit the legalization of pot. The police would be free to pursue more important criminal matters. The load on the court system would be lightened. There would be more room in our jails for "real" criminals. Finally, if legalized, the tax revenues could be comparable to those collected by the LCBO. Could we actually see a PCBO, or an MCBO? "What about driving whilst high?" Ms DiManno asks. I believe that some police forces are now in possession of a "marijuana version of the breathalyzer" that was developed in Sweden. It can detect 12 different controlled substances including methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, morphine and of course, marijuana. Apparently, this test is equally as accurate as blood and urine tests. Therefore motorists using legalized marijuana would be subject to the same restrictions as motorists using legal alcohol. Unauthorized growing of marijuana would remain a criminal offense, the same as bootlegging and cigarette smuggling. I agree with Ms DiManno's final statement that "Canada already has way too much stupidity," but I don't agree that Justin Trudeau's idea of marijuana decriminalization is a part of that stupidity. Warren Dalton, Scarborough - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom