Pubdate: Fri, 20 May 2016
Source: Moose Jaw Times-Herald (CN SN)
Copyright: 2016 The Moose Jaw Times-Herald Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.mjtimes.sk.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2154

SALUTE TO FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

There was a day where the fight against marijuana was considered
crucial to the health of our nation and most people were on the same
page. Pass on grass was a common sentiment.

Now, as we are well into the 21st century, attitudes have changed
dramatically, and recreational marijuana use is more socially
acceptable than it has ever been. In more and more jurisdictions in
North America, the use of pot has been or soon will be legalized, or
decriminalized, and that includes right here in Canada.

For some marijuana users, April 20, or 4/20, has become a culturally
significant date that is used as a celebration of marijuana and the
culture surrounding it. Well now, at least here in Prince Albert,
there is an answer. This year the Prince Albert Addiction Awareness
Committee will celebrate it's third annual 5/21 celebration - asking
people to put down marijuana for the day.

While the prohibition-like battle against the drug (yes, it is a drug)
has failed and increased use of marijuana is a reality that we must
face as a nation, that doesn't mean doing so is good for you.

The committee is on the right track. After attempts to criminalize and
shame people away from marijuana by governments and law enforcement
have proven to fail pretty miserably, it's time to accept that people
are using. So, like any other drug, it's time to do our best to
educate people using, and those consider using of the risk and the
dangers involved.

Like the danger associated with alcohol and other drugs, or most
similarly, smoking and nicotine, there are significant health and
other impacts that need to be considered.

Like smoking, there are long-term health risks associated with smoking
pot that include heart and lung problems related to the toxic smoke
created. There are also numerous studies that show marijuana use by
pregnant women carry significant health threats to their unborn child.

All of the risks associated with marijuana increase if the use of
marijuana continues over long-term, including addiction. One in nine
users will develop an addiction, and those who start use as teens risk
an even higher rate. With Grade 9 marijuana use being twice the
national average here in Prince Albert, this is no small
consideration.

And, one of the committee's major focuses is reminding people who turn
to marijuana to battle stress that there might be better coping
mechanisms. A good message to carry forward.

The marijuana fight has evolved from one to forbid and punish to one
of educating and helping people make better choices. Good on the
Prince Albert Addictions Awareness Committee in being at the forefront
of moving that ball forward.  
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D