Pubdate: Tue, 27 Dec 2016
Source: Kingston Whig-Standard (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Sun Media
Contact: http://www.thewhig.com/letters
Website: http://www.thewhig.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/224
Author: Larry Comeau
Page: A4

CHALLENGES EXIST IN LEGALIZATION OF POT

Re: "Legalization of marijuana must be done right."

I wholeheartedly agree with you that something with the potential for
a major negative impact on Canada, which will be joining Uruguay as
the only two countries to make marijuana legal, must be done
cautiously. That being said, the Trudeau Liberals seem to be rushing
ahead, even before a simple roadside test for impairment by inhaling
marijuana is available to police. This is frightening with Washington
State finding road deaths doubled after it legalized this drug.

Colorado warned the Trudeau government months ago that legalization is
the easy part, what follows after is much more complicated. This
includes keeping this drug out of the hands of our children, as
studies have shown it can be very damaging to their developing minds.
In fact, the Trudeau government is ignoring the recommendations of the
Canadian Medical Association to raise the age to purchase to 21. We
know how much success we have had keeping cigarettes and alcohol away
from young people, especially those sold on the black market.

Everywhere marijuana has been legalized, e.g. Amsterdam, Colorado and
Washington States, organized crime has quickly entered the scene to
make huge profits on the black market. This means more police
resources will be needed and likely will see a tightening of our
border with the U.S., hurting both travellers and our struggling
economy. The Liberals seem to have little concern over the possibility
of more workplace accidents, especially in the mining industry and
operating heavy equipment etc.

Also, we have no idea as to the added cost to our ailing healthcare
system, as marijuana users will undoubtedly end up with the same
serious ailments as tobacco smokers. Obviously, adding even more
addicts to a growing problem nationwide is a distinct possibility with
heavy marijuana users.

It seems governments, at both the federal and provincial levels, are
being blinded by the anticipated billions this new revenue tool will
yield, while ignoring the many negative impacts of legalization on
Canadian society.

Larry Comeau

Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Matt