Pubdate: Thu, 05 Jun 2003
Source: Red Deer Express (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 Red Deer Express
Contact:  http://www.reddeerexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2920
Author: Joe Hueglin

GOVERNMENT MOVING BLINDLY ON POT LAW

The Government of Canada is effectively accepting usage of marijuana
without detection mechanisms for impairment while driving on the one
hand or clinical evidence of effectiveness for medical use on the other.

Justice Minister Cauchon by saying, "The federal government wants to
develop a test to determine if motorists are smoking marijuana while
behind the wheel".

(1) Is admitting his government is acting without law enforcement
officers having the means available to control the negative effects of
drivers being able to use marijuana legally.

This follows upon medicinal use being legalized but rejection by the
Canadian Medical Association of physicians having adequate information
to make determinations as to whether benefits outweigh negative effects

(2) And Justice Sidney Lederman of Ontario's Superior Court declaring
Health Canada's access regulations for medicinal marijuana
unconstitutional.

(3)In both instances the adage "Look before you leap" and the opinions
of those on the front lines, the Canadian Police Association and the
Canadian Medical Association are being ignored.

Joe Hueglin

Niagara Falls, Ont.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake