Pubdate: Tue, 21 Nov 2017 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2017 The Edmonton Journal Website: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: Betty Unger Page: A7 WHY THE RUSH TO LEGALIZE POT? Why is the federal government in such a hurry to pass marijuana legalization legislation when there are still so many questions? The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police said the legislation is coming too fast, stating, "there is insufficient time to prepare the necessary legislative framework and regulations to ensure the public safety." Do these things not matter? Why is government not listening to its own department of health which warned youth under the age of 25, whose brains are still developing, should not be smoking marijuana? Why are they ignoring evidence that says more youth will smoke marijuana and car crashes due to impairment will increase significantly? Why do they insist organized crime will decrease yet experts say we are deluding ourselves? The proposed legislative and regulatory framework is still in its infancy and yet Trudeau stubbornly insists on recklessly plunging ahead. Are there conflicts of interest driving this agenda? Betty Unger, Senator (Alberta) - --- MAP posted-by: Matt