Pubdate: Tue, 14 Oct 2014
Source: News, The (New Glasgow, CN NS)
Copyright: 2014 Transcontinental Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ngnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3343
Referenced: CAMH releases new Cannabis Policy Framework:
http://mapinc.org/url/sCod1dXx
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Marijuana - Canada)

AN ARGUMENT MISSING THE POINT

Justice Minister Peter MacKay said last week he's surprised by the
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's call to legalize marijuana.
The Central Nova MP adds the statement contrasts with reports from
other health organizations underlining the negative impact of the
drug, particularly on the developing brains of children.

That's the kind of non-sequitur we expect from government but could do
without.

The Centre for Addiction fully agrees on the dangers of using
marijuana. In that way, it is in step with the other organizations
MacKay is referring to. Its call for legalization - along with tightly
restricted sales, an age limit and limited availability - has to do
with what the organization sees as a failure of existing laws to keep
controls on marijuana distribution. Currently, other than medicinal
marijuana, it's in the hands of criminals.

Although the Centre for Addiction acknowledges that no system will be
perfect, it believes legal, restricted sales will more likely keep the
drug away from children than when handled by illicit dealers.

To be fair to MacKay, however, he hasn't much free rein to give a
straight response. The Conservative government has a different
philosophy regarding marijuana use, which includes keeping it illegal.

They are talking about tinkering with the laws, for example, making it
a ticketing offence for those caught with small amounts.

We need to look closely at what the critics of the law as it stands
are saying. They argue that the laws simply have failed in the aim to
reduce use of pot. The failed war on drugs has simply provided
criminals a product to deal.

Another reason for the Conservatives to dismiss the CAMH call for
legalization is that it echoes the stance taken by Liberal Leader
Justin Trudeau.

The real debate we need to hear from politicians has to be based on
available evidence. People need assurances that legalized sales are a
reasonable way of keeping the product away from youth. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard