Pubdate: Tue, 06 Oct 2015 Source: Peterborough Examiner, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2015 Peterborough Examiner Contact: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/letters Website: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2616 Author: Ken Robertson Page: 4 Addiction prevention bests legalization I heard Liberal leader Justin Trudeau promoting legalization of marijuana and asked, why aren't Canadian leaders speaking out? As a parent, I have serious concerns. Some may view me, a former police chief, as an ideologue, but I've considered both sides of this issue. It's said that for every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong, and Trudeau's proposal meets this standard. Public opinion and criminologists have questioned the success of the war on drugs. As a former police officer, I admit it hasn't been a resounding success. The goal was to reduce the supply of drugs and its toll. Police have worked hard, but still, the problem continues. Some leaders propose the other traditional approach, legalization. The war on drugs has problems, but legalization has the potential to make things much worse. Former New York mayor Ed Koch said it best: "Drug legalization is like trying to extinguish a fire with napalm." Canadians should demand better from drug enforcement and demand drug addiction-prevention and treatment. The Colorado Springs Gazette recently reviewed the results of legalization in that state. Highlights included concerns about pot shrinking the brains of teenagers, a thriving black market for out-of-state sales, increases in drug impaired drivers and a tripling of explosions from hashish production. Trudeau has ignored problems associated with legalizing marijuana. Society hasn't learned from the death, destruction and health costs of impaired driving, alcoholism and tobacco products. Proponents promise decreases in crime, but common sense and experience dictate otherwise. Drug abusers and addicts commit crime to buy drugs, legal or illegal, and any increase in users means potential increases in crime. Crimes committed while under the influence of drugs will increase, starting with drug-impaired driving. Proponents believe government regulation will eliminate organized crime from the drug business. We know organized crime makes billions of dollars in the tobacco black market in Canada, and in Colorado we see organized crime involvement in black market for drugs. Proponents promote legalization's potential tax revenues from licensing and sales of marijuana without offsetting costs associated with birth defects, workplace absences, domestic violence and health care. The International Association of Chiefs of Police projected tax revenues from legalized marijuana in California could reach $1.4 million, while losses from marijuana impaired driving crashes alone could reach $4 billion. Medical professionals are clear legalization will increase addiction levels. The compassionate response is not legalization but to do everything we can to prevent addiction. New Hampshire-based People Who Care propose decriminalization for marijuana possession consistent with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. It saves badly needed police resources and includes opportunities for drug diversion and treatment for chronic abusers. Real solutions for the problems associated with drug abuse require a multifaceted approach, including drug treatment and prevention (demand reduction), which has been sadly underfunded by all governments. While Canadians have reason to question the success of the traditional war on illicit drugs during the last 30 years, they should not be fooled by Trudeau's proposals. Parents and community leaders who care about the future of this country need to speak out and demand alternatives that will help stem the tide of abuse and addiction before we throw in the towel and surrender to legalization. Ken Robertson is a former Hamilton, Ont., police chief who retired in 2003.