Pubdate: Thu, 21 Sep 2017
Source: Kingston Whig-Standard (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 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

GOVERNMENT NEEDS DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM

Re: "Managing future of legal marijuana is inside job," Sept. 16.

Michelle Hauser joins millions of other concerned parents over what
legalized marijuana means for their young children. Studies in the
United Kingdom, America and here have all shown conclusively that
marijuana can cause psychosis and other mental problems to those who
use this drug when young.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's idea that legalization is the best way
to curb black market sales, thereby keeping it away from our children,
is right out of fantasyland. In both Colorado and Washington states,
organized crime is involved in the distribution of marijuana since it
was made legal there. There has been a rush on Colorado emergency
rooms by young people who had used the drug. Expect organized crime
groups to quickly get involved here, meaning access to our youth.

Colorado officials warned the Trudeau government that legalization is
easy, but that everything that comes thereafter is much more
difficult. We already have police departments across the country
saying they are not prepared for legalization next July. Many premiers
are also voicing concerns. Yet it seems that Trudeau wants votes and
revenues, rather than slowing the process down with so many unknowns.
Nobody knows the long-term effects of the 8 and 5 cannabinoids
contained in marijuana. The timing of legalization could not be worse
with the opioid crisis killing young people from coast to coast.

Surely if we see the need to provide very young children with sex
education, coupled with legalization of marijuana there should be a
drug education program telling young people the real dangers and truth
about marijuana use. The Trudeau government seems to be giving the
misinformation that it is no more harmful than alcohol, which is
totally false.

Larry Comeau

Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Matt