Pubdate: Fri, 20 Oct 2017
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2017 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Mitchell Reid
Page: A8

DRUG ISSUES START WITH POT

I thought about writing something a number of months ago about being
against legal pot. The verbal abuse was crazy. I know anything I say
or do will not change anyone's mind. You are for legal pot or you are
not.

I never dreamed about our government ever being drug dealers. I know
it makes sense for it to be legal - extra tax money, less people in
jail, new revenue streams for many. Over the last number of years I
have talked to a number of people who have been dealing with
addiction, and their families trying to help them get past this time
in their life. The common thread, however, talking with people dealing
with addiction, has been it all started with pot. This isn't from a
survey or study, it's from talking with the addict on the street.

We know our province is not prepared today to deal with the present
addictions issue. When pot becomes legal, some families will be
dealing with addiction issues because of it. Who will look after the
sons or daughters, the mothers or fathers who will need treatment
after July 1, 2018?

Mitchell Reid, Charlottetown
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MAP posted-by: Matt