Pubdate: Tue, 26 Jan 2016
Source: Sentinel Review (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Woodstock Sentinel Review
Contact: http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/letters
Website: http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2385
Author: Brian J. Patterson
Page: A4

DON'T LET ROAD SAFETY GO TO POT

With Canadian lawmakers and politicians shifting into high gear on the
drive to legalize marijuana, there is a real risk that important
questions about the impact on road safety will be left in the dust.

The Ontario Safety League is here to prevent the discussion from being
hijacked by those whose agenda is profit or popularity.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he is open to considering "best
practices" in that area. Even though this is somewhat reassuring,
there are other developments that are less reassuring, such as the
suggestion marijuana could be sold at LCBO stores.

Expanded cannabis use is similar in many ways to the historic issue
around impaired driving. A person under the influence of cannabis and
at the wheel is hazardous to himself or herself and to the public.
Driving under the influence of cannabis must not be allowed.

Ontario Safety League believes that it is necessary for all
organizations aimed at preserving the safety of Ontarians - including
MADD Canada, Arrive Alive, Drive Sober, Accident Awareness and
Insurance Bureau of Canada - to have a unified voice on the issue.

The Ontario Safety League will be creating avenues for discussion
about the right actions to take if cannabis is to be sold through LCBO
stores, such as public education and expanded counselling for
marijuana consumers. It is also important not to confuse medical use
with expanded recreational use.

Brian J. Patterson, President and CEO of Ontario Safety League
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MAP posted-by: Matt