Pubdate: Tue, 06 Oct 2015
Source: Peterborough Examiner, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 Peterborough Examiner
Contact: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/letters
Website: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2616
Author: Ken Robertson
Page: 4

Addiction prevention bests legalization

I heard Liberal leader Justin Trudeau promoting legalization of
marijuana and asked, why aren't Canadian leaders speaking out? As a
parent, I have serious concerns. Some may view me, a former police
chief, as an ideologue, but I've considered both sides of this issue.

It's said that for every complex problem there is an answer that is
clear, simple and wrong, and Trudeau's proposal meets this standard.

Public opinion and criminologists have questioned the success of the
war on drugs. As a former police officer, I admit it hasn't been a
resounding success. The goal was to reduce the supply of drugs and its
toll. Police have worked hard, but still, the problem continues.

Some leaders propose the other traditional approach, legalization. The
war on drugs has problems, but legalization has the potential to make
things much worse. Former New York mayor Ed Koch said it best: "Drug
legalization is like trying to extinguish a fire with napalm."

Canadians should demand better from drug enforcement and demand drug
addiction-prevention and treatment.

The Colorado Springs Gazette recently reviewed the results of
legalization in that state. Highlights included concerns about pot
shrinking the brains of teenagers, a thriving black market for
out-of-state sales, increases in drug impaired drivers and a tripling
of explosions from hashish production.

Trudeau has ignored problems associated with legalizing marijuana.
Society hasn't learned from the death, destruction and health costs of
impaired driving, alcoholism and tobacco products.

Proponents promise decreases in crime, but common sense and experience
dictate otherwise. Drug abusers and addicts commit crime to buy drugs,
legal or illegal, and any increase in users means potential increases
in crime. Crimes committed while under the influence of drugs will
increase, starting with drug-impaired driving.

Proponents believe government regulation will eliminate organized
crime from the drug business. We know organized crime makes billions
of dollars in the tobacco black market in Canada, and in Colorado we
see organized crime involvement in black market for drugs.

Proponents promote legalization's potential tax revenues from
licensing and sales of marijuana without offsetting costs associated
with birth defects, workplace absences, domestic violence and health
care. The International Association of Chiefs of Police projected tax
revenues from legalized marijuana in California could reach $1.4
million, while losses from marijuana impaired driving crashes alone
could reach $4 billion.

Medical professionals are clear legalization will increase addiction
levels. The compassionate response is not legalization but to do
everything we can to prevent addiction.

New Hampshire-based People Who Care propose decriminalization for
marijuana possession consistent with the Canadian Association of
Chiefs of Police. It saves badly needed police resources and includes
opportunities for drug diversion and treatment for chronic abusers.

Real solutions for the problems associated with drug abuse require a
multifaceted approach, including drug treatment and prevention (demand
reduction), which has been sadly underfunded by all
governments.

While Canadians have reason to question the success of the traditional
war on illicit drugs during the last 30 years, they should not be
fooled by Trudeau's proposals.

Parents and community leaders who care about the future of this
country need to speak out and demand alternatives that will help stem
the tide of abuse and addiction before we throw in the towel and
surrender to legalization.

Ken Robertson is a former Hamilton, Ont., police chief who retired in 2003.