Pubdate: Mon, 11 Feb 2002
Source: Nanaimo News Bulletin (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002, BC Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/948
Author: Duff Sigurdson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

POT NOT DANGEROUS, STUDIES SHOW US

While I agree with the tone of the argument put forth by the RCMP in the 
article (Under the Influence, Feb. 4), I must say the RCMP do themselves a 
dis-service by not sticking to the facts when telling of new crime fighting 
measures.

Recent studies show just the opposite of what Constable Beisel is telling us.

People who drive under the influence of cannabis may have been unfairly 
demonized, research suggests.

The research was led by Alison Smiley and conducted at the University of 
Toronto.

She compared studies that looked into how serious the impairment was from 
marijuana compared with alcohol.

"There's an assumption that, because marijuana is illegal, it must increase 
the risk of an accident. We should try to just stick to the facts," she says.

Her findings were published in Health Effects of Cannabis, which is 
published by Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

So there you have it folks, make up your own mind but don't believe 
everything the police tell you.

Duff Sigurdson
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MAP posted-by: Beth