Pubdate: Fri, 19 Jan 2018
Source: Intelligencer, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2018, The Belleville Intelligencer
Contact: http://www.intelligencer.ca/letters
Website: http://www.intelligencer.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2332
Author: Larry Comeau
Page: A6

POLICE CONCERNS ARE LEGITIMATE

(Re: High drivers concern cops, Jan. 18 edition)

When Canadian Chiefs of Police said they are simply not ready to
enforce new rules, once pot is legalized next summer, one major
concern was the anticipated increase in pot-impaired drivers on
Canadian highways and lack of a simple roadside test for actual
impairment. The alternative would be for the police having to take
suspected pot-impaired drivers to a hospital to have blood extracted.

I can just imagine the court challenges that would result in. A simple
roadside test should be made available before pot is legalized.

Sadly, in his rush for votes and expected billions in revenue, Justin
Trudeau gave very little consideration to the likelihood of more
traffic deaths that would result. In Colorado and Washington states
road deaths doubled after legalization and we can expect a huge
increase here. Unlike alcohol which is excreted from the body in about
12 hours, THC in pot, that causes impairment, remains in the system
for many, many days. This means someone can end up driving impaired
without fully being aware of that fact.

During my two decades of enforcing Canada's drug laws, I remember pot
users telling me it actually made them more alert and better
drivers... a very scary thought.

Canadians better be ready for the many unintended consequences pot
legalization will mean to our country, which are being totally ignored
by greedy politicians.

Larry Comeau

Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Matt