Pubdate: Fri, 13 Dec 2013
Source: Vaughan Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2013 Metroland Media Group Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.yorkregion.com/vaughan-on/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2432
Authors: Randy McNeil & Tim Greenwood

IS WAR ON DRUGS WINNABLE?

Re: Izms not illegal, but on police radar, Nov. 22.

We would like to respond to the article on synthetic drugs by 
reporter Jeremy Grimaldi. It is important the community is made aware 
of the dangers of these products.

We want to clarify we are not "crime watchdogs", as described in the story.

Both of us work with youth who have come in conflict with the law and 
our involvement in this issue comes out of awareness of the dangers 
drugs pose to youth.

More importantly, we want to get across some key points about things 
we have learned:

- -There is a wave of synthetic drugs beginning to wash into our 
communities, some of which are produced elsewhere, but more is 
expected to be produced locally. The United Nations identifies these 
new psychoactive substances as one of the greatest health challenges 
facing humanity. We need to prepare for this by paying attention to 
the experiences, successes and failures of other jurisdictions;

- -Synthetic cannabinoids, such as Izms, are not safe substances and 
should not be sold in our stores (or online) and our laws need to be enforced;

- -Prohibition of marijuana is part of the problem. We are not 
promoting the use of marijuana, but these synthetic drugs are often 
used because marijuana is illegal. No one has ever died from a 
marijuana overdose and marijuana is considered one of the most benign 
of all psychoactive substances. Synthetic cannabinoids can have all 
sorts of disastrous side effects including death and;

- -We need to be open-minded and learn from other jurisdictions' 
experiences. What are the benefits and downsides of 
decriminalization, legalization, regulation, giving priority to 
treatment and education over law enforcement and imprisonment?;

- -Youth need to be involved in facing this challenge and leaders 
amongst them must be sought, developed and educated to help change 
the youth perspective on drugs and;

- -Individuals can make a difference and we believe that our success in 
meeting these challenges depends on the community coming together to 
talk, share ideas and act.

We will participate Jan. 28 in an IdeaMarket at the Newmarket Public 
Library. The topic of discussion will be: Is the war on drugs 
winnable or is there a better way?

A wide range of experts will present many different points of view 
and the community is welcome.

Randy McNeil & Tim Greenwood

Vaughan
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom