Pubdate: Thu, 05 Jun 2003
Source: Hardisty World, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 The Hardisty World
Contact:  http://www.hardistyworld.awna.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2435
Author: Joe Hueglin

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP!

Dear Editor:

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 out-weigh 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.

Your truly,

Joe Hueglin

Niagara Falls, Ontario
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MAP posted-by: Alex