Pubdate: Wed, 02 Aug 2017
Source: Daily Press, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 Sun Media
Contact: http://www.timminspress.com/letters
Website: http://www.timminspress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1001
Author: Simon Guillet
Page: A4

DRUG DEATHS ARE UP - IS POT LEGALIZATION RATIONAL?

The gruesome statistics on drug-related deaths, destroyed lives,
broken relationships and demolished families are only getting worse
every year.

In one province, British Columbia, about 15 million hypodermic needles
destined solely for illicit drug use were distributed last year to the
various "safe injection" sites and agencies around the province.

Fifteen million needles - it's hard to fathom the widespread addiction
to various drugs and the terrible casualties inflicted. Unfortunately,
it's growing in every province. In B.C., this is a 50 per cent
increase from 2014 in hypos distributed for illicit use, and
statistics for the rest of Canada must be similar.

There were an estimated 47,000 drug-related deaths in Canada in 2007.
Imagine what that number is today, 10 years later, with the growing
illicit use of opioid drugs, which also have a legitimate place in
modern medicine.

It is said that most of these unfortunate drug addicts started on soft
drugs and gradually worked their way up to stronger, more potent drugs
that elicit a greater high. Some drug users reportedly are able to
stay on pot, and some have it prescribed for medical reasons, but
unfortunately many choose to experiment on other available street
drugs. Once hooked on the stronger drugs, there is apparently no easy
way back.

My being from that ancient generation when illicit drugs were not
common, and non-existent in our circle, makes me wonder if Prime
Minister Justin Trudeau's sworn allegiance to legalizing marijuana by
next summer is a rational decision for the Canadian government to implement.

Seeking the approval of a portion of the voting public to extend his
term in office is one thing, but setting a course for a possible
increase in drug addiction and its abominable consequences is quite
another. Is this the Canada we want?

Simon Guillet, New Sudbury
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