Pubdate: Fri, 22 Sep 2017
Source: Delta Optimist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2017 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc
Contact:  http://www.delta-optimist.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1265
Author: A.T. Munro

YOUTH AT RISK WITH LIBERAL PLAN TO LEGALIZE POT

Editor:

There is no doubt in my mind that the proposal by the prime minister
to legalize marijuana has not been well thought out, especially with
the devastating drug problems we are now facing.

The effect of narcotics on the development of the brain has been well
researched. Scientific studies have proven that mental disorders,
schizophrenia, suicides, etc. are much higher among those who take
these drugs than those who do not.

Postnatal brain development occurs over a long period that lasts into
adolescence and some say into the 20s. Our youth are at risk. We
certainly do not need more soft drugs on the street that are available
to an impressionable age group trying to cope with their own stresses
at school, at home, on the street, etc.

My experience in the criminal justice system has given me a firsthand
look at the future young people face when drawn into the drug culture.
The roots of dependency and addiction are easily established and
extremely difficult to break. Consider the many families that have
gone through this undeniable horror that has taken young lives.

I am absolutely appalled that our prime minister has proposed this
legislation. He appears to have no insight into the very real
consequences that can prevail. It is extremely naive of him to think
this will solve or alleviate our drug use/addiction problems.

The police have a hard enough time dealing with drinking/distracted
drivers, how can they possibly discern whether a driver has used
marijuana and to what effect it has had on the ability to safely drive
the vehicle? How can you gauge the effect of second hand smoke? There
has been no reliable evidence that a system to accurately detect and
evaluate the amount of marijuana is available.

Since the majority of marijuana grown is smoked and smoking causes
cancer, the net effect will be to encourage more smoking.

This is real. Has this been considered?

No amount of political rhetoric can justify or rationalize the
consequences (many) that are real and predictable. Monies obtained by
the government will pale in comparison to the health costs that will
be incurred.

Sanctioning the use of marijuana by legalising it is not the way to
come down hard on drug use. Acquiescing to those already engaged in
the use of marijuana might help in a partisan sense, but it completely
misses the mark when a more thought out and comprehensive evaluation
is in order.

A.T. Munro
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MAP posted-by: Matt