Source: Calgary Sun (Canada) Pubdate: 18 June 1998 Contact: http://www.canoe.ca/CalgarySun/ REEFER SADNESS Talk about a potty concept. Those who break the law to fire up support for decriminalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes are just blowing smoke. Grant Krieger, a multiple sclerosis victim convicted Tuesday of possession of marijuana for the purposes of trafficking, has vowed to keep selling pot as medicine. Judge Robert Davie didn't buy Krieger's argument that medical users should be able to grow and distribute cannabis. The judge ruled dissemination of drugs is restricted to doctors and pharmacists for the protection of society. We couldn't agree more, but sympathize -- to a degree -- with Krieger's attempts to draw attention to the issue. There is evidence cannabis helps sufferers of MS, glaucoma, AIDS and other afflictions. Federal Justice Minister Anne McLellan says the government is already looking at decriminalization for medical purposes. The last three words are key here. If marijuana is legalized for medical purposes, there must be tight legal controls -- similar to ones in place for addictive painkillers like morphine. Legalization advocates are simply enjoying brightly colored pipe dreams if they believe otherwise. Imagine the prospect of a merry bunch of marijuana growers using and selling it for ailments as varied as lower back pain, headaches and "havin' a bad day, man." There are very valid reasons why marijuana remains illegal, despite decades of effort by the pot lobby. It causes impairment similar to alcohol. Long-term use leads to lethargy and lack of motivation. We need only look at cultures where cannabis use is widespread to witness its sad impact. If it is legalized for "medical purposes only," strict controls are needed to prevent it becoming a conduit for recreational users. Even California, that mecca of drug use, has recently cut the flow for medicinal purposes because of inadequate restrictions. Those who believe decriminalization for medical purposes will be a painless, uncomplicated process had better clear away the smoky haze and take a hard look at reality. - --- Checked-by: (trikydik)