Pubdate: Fri, 22 Aug 2014
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2014 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/wEtbT4yU
Website: http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Dr. Stanley G. Smith
Page: A9

POT POLITICS

Re: Don't Smoke Pot, Canadian MDs Warn, Aug. 21.

As a member of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and of the
Canadian Medical Association, I was embarrassed to see that these
organizations and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Canada all said they would decline Health Canada's invitation to
endorse a campaign on the dangers of marijuana use by young people.
The only reason I can think of as to why they would not be lending
their endorsement is because they fear political repercussions.

I am embarrassed that organizations that I have contributed time and
effort (and a good deal of money) to over the years, don't have the
guts and integrity to support an effort to educate people on the
dangers of marijuana. They know very well that there are many risks
involved. They had no such reservations regarding speaking out against
cigarette smoking, for instance. Instead of getting involved, they
issued the following feckless statement: "the CFPC, CMA and Royal
College will continue working to enhance public education and increase
awareness of the health risks of drug and alcohol consumption by
Canada's young people."

Dr. Stanley G. Smith, London, Ont.
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MAP posted-by: Matt