Pubdate: Sat, 31 May 2003
Source: Halifax Herald (CN NS)
Copyright: 2003 The Halifax Herald Limited
Contact:  http://www.herald.ns.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180
Author: Derek Toupin
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

FLAWED LEGISLATION

The bill to decriminalize marijuana is a very flawed piece of legislation. 
The public seems to have misinterpreted the intent and, at first glance, 
thinks this is the same as legalization of marijuana. It is definitely not 
that; in fact, it seems to be a regressive, instead of a progressive, step.

The government stands to make millions in fines that it did not make prior 
to this change. Much of this will come from from poor young people who are 
already finding it difficult to pay large fines for alcohol possession. The 
result is more probation and house arrest, instead of cash.

The growers who have been filling our jails needlessly, forcing families 
onto welfare in many cases, will see even longer sentences as a result of 
this flawed legislation. We need to see fewer, not more, people spending 
time in jail for this drug.

Marijuana is not a harmless drug; it is the second most common substance in 
the blood streams of Canadians who have motor vehicle accidents, after 
benzodiazipines (Valium). It is much more common than alcohol in factors 
leading to inattention, slow response times, loss of co-ordination involved 
in motor vehicle and other machinery accidents. The up to 30 per cent of 
users who become addicted will experience long-term negative effects. It 
also changes the brain in permanent or long-lasting ways, the same as any 
other psychotropic drugs will do.

It is too bad that our leaders are so shortsighted.

Derek Toupin, Chignecto
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager