Pubdate: Wed, 02 May 2012
Source: North Shore News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Gregoz Gawronski
Contact:  http://www.nsnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/311
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n247/a09.html
Author: Gregoz Gawronski

CRITIC TAKES POT SHOTS AT CANNABIS CLAIMS

Dear Editor:

I read the article "City Council Calls for Pot Regulation" by Benjamin
Alldritt in the April 27 North Shore News with mixed emotions. A few
questions if I may:

1) The story outlines arguments in support of decriminalization and
legalization of marijuana in B.C., as presented to North Vancouver
city council by a Dr. Evan Wood.

It does not include a single word about any of the dangers associated
with such a move. Where is the other side of the story?

2) According to the article there were no questions from the council
raising fears over respiratory cancer or other side effects of using
marijuana.

Hello councillors, is this really true? Were you asleep during the
presentation?

A quick glance at the American Psychiatric Association website
provides some information: Marijuana can damage the cells in the
bronchial passages that protect the body against inhaled
microorganisms and decrease the ability of the immune cells in the
lungs to fight off fungi, bacteria, and tumor cells. Marijuana use
impairs perception, judgment, thinking, memory and learning.

Other possible outcomes: cannabis intoxication delirium (memory
deficit, disorientation); cannabis induced psychotic disorder; and
cannabis induced anxiety disorder.

Council members, didn't it cross your mind to perhaps ask a few
question in regards to these findings? Shouldn't you have invited a
speaker who would present a different view?

3) The arguments in support of decriminalization, as presented, are
flawed:

- - "77 per cent of British Columbians" support decriminalization. This
is not a good argument; one can prove any point by using statistics.

- - "In the United States they are actually way ahead of us now. Sixteen
states have legalized medical marijuana. . . . Fourteen states have
decriminalized marijuana." Do you really think that this is an
argument? Do we need to follow that just because someone else is
already doing it?

- - "Wood said he himself has treated patients with gunshot wounds
following drug-related disputes." What does this prove?

If the market were regulated, perhaps instead of a wounded dealer he
would be treating hallucinating, paranoid, depressed, uncontrollably
aggressive teenagers. Which one is better?

- - "Regulatory tools can move us to a regulated market." Bingo. The
governments that have already monopolized and taxed the tobacco and
alcohol industries see a $7 billion industry up for grabs.

Ultimately, this is what this whole issue is about. Marijuana, a
highly addictive drug, provides a lifetime guaranty of steady income.

Wouldn't that be good news for the government?

Gregoz Gawronski

North Vancouver
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