Pubdate: Sat, 10 Dec 2016 Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB) Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Contact: http://www.calgaryherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66 Author: Trevor King Page: A17 COMMON SENSE IS GOING UP IN SMOKE Re: "Don't rush federal pot law, NDP cautions," Dec. 7. The Liberal government plans to legalize marijuana next spring to stop its illegal distribution by the bad guys and, of course, to make a lot of money at the same time. What pitfalls may lie ahead? A significant increase in the drug's use across all age groups, increased traffic accidents and deaths, increased cross-border issues with the U.S.A., increased health problems, increased use of more powerful drugs, increased addictions and treatment, and an increased number of unlicensed growers for the authorities to try and eliminate. And at the end of the day, the bad guys will still undercut the good guys - that's just how it works. We have spent billions on anti-smoking programs and education, billions on smoking-related health treatments, thousands have died from driving-under-the influence incidents. Now we plan to open the door on another powerful drug. It just doesn't make sense to me. Trevor King, De Winton - --- MAP posted-by: Matt