Pubdate: Sat, 25 Aug 2001
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Copyright: 2001, The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.globeandmail.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Author: PETER COLERIDGE, vice-president, Communications, Education and 
Community Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

MAKE DRUG POLICY RATIONAL

Toronto -- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health applauds The Globe 
for its editorials this past week about decriminalizing the use of drugs, 
an important discussion that does not usually receive sufficiently 
researched debate. As Canada's largest addiction and mental health 
facility, we have strong clinical and research-based evidence to support a 
harm-reduction approach to drug use, including the decriminalization of 
cannabis.

While negative health effects can result from extensive cannabis use, 
studies in other jurisdictions have shown that reducing criminal sanctions 
for possession for personal use lessens the negative social and individual 
consequences, and does not lead to increased use. We urge the government to 
follow The Globe and the growing number of organizations and Canadians who 
support a more rational and balanced approach to drug policy.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom