Pubdate: Tue, 23 May 2017 Source: Intelligencer, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2017, The Belleville Intelligencer Contact: http://www.intelligencer.ca/letters Website: http://www.intelligencer.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2332 Author: Larry Comeau Page: B2 POT LAW CHANGES WILL HURT CANADA (Re: Pot laws creating concerns, April 19 edition) This excellent report by Jason Miller points out the growing concerns from municipal administrators as they try to come to grips with marijuana legalization on July 1, 2018. Councillor Mike Graham is correct that this is purely a political move by the Trudeau Liberals to fulfil an election promise and to rake in the billions expected from sales. Parents should also be concerned with studies from the U.K., USA and our own Canadian Medical Association all showing young people using this drug run greatly enhanced risk of suffering psychosis and other mental issues later in life. Yet, in his infinite wisdom, Trudeau is ignoring the CMA's recommendation that nobody under 21 be allowed to make a purchase setting the age at 18. There are more than 85 cannabinoids contained in marijuana with very little known about their long-term effects on the human body. Having worked more than 20 years enforcing Canada's drug laws as an RCMP officer, I could not agree more with the retired Belleville police officer when he raises the question why are we doing this? The theory being espoused by the Trudeau Liberals that legalization is the best way to keep this drug away from our young people, by curbing black market sales, is ludicrous and misleading. Everywhere it has been legalized organized crime quickly got involved in the black market thus providing a supplier for young people. In Ontario, organized crime already have established networks to supply cigarettes, alcohol and other commodities, meaning they can quickly switch to selling marijuana at greater profit. They can even grown their own increasing profits. Municipalities better also prepare themselves for needing more policing resources to tackle organized crime and increases in impaired drivers on our roads. Sadly, a simple roadside test for impairment by marijuana inhalation is still in the developmental stage. Also they better be prepared for additional demands on already struggling healthcare services to treat physical and mental diseases that will be the result of legalization. From my experience, I am afraid Canada is about to undergo drastic changes with this legalization move, many not for the better. Larry Comeau Ottawa - --- MAP posted-by: Matt