Pubdate: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 Source: Coquitlam Now, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2003Lower Mainland Publishing Group, Inc. Contact: http://www.thenownews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1340 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n880/a06.html Author: Matthew Hulett Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving) NO REASON TO DELAY POT REFORM Re: Lisa Wei's My Generation column Saturday, May 31, "Cannabis Bill Raises More Questions Than Answers." Every point raised against decriminalization of marijuana possession has been asked, answered and rejected by superior arguments in scholarly major drug policy works. Every major drug policy work done in the past 60 years and more has recommended decriminalization, or legalization, of marijuana possession. I have a few facts for the author and your readers to ponder. Between five per cent and 12 per cent of drivers will drive stoned. This percentage may rise to 20 per cent for those under 25. Scientific data shows that marijuana users overcompensate for their quite minor two-hour impairment by driving more slowly and cautiously. Speeding and careless driving kills more people on our roads than any other behaviour. Ironically, it would appear that the more people who drive stoned, the more safe roads will be. Nevertheless, given public attitudes, a Canadian Senate committee recommended developing effective tests for detecting marijuana impairment in drivers. An effective saliva test is on the horizon. There is no good reason to delay marijuana policy reform because this test needs time to be perfected. Matthew Hulett, Brick, N.J. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl