Pubdate: Fri, 16 Feb 2018
Source: Medicine Hat News (CN AB)
Copyright: 2018 Alberta Newspaper Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.medicinehatnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1833
Author: Alan Rose
Page: B4

RECKLESS TO ALLOW ANYONE UNDER 18 TO USE CANNABIS

I just spent the morning reading Bill C-45, the new cannabis law. I
discovered under the section for possession, it states that a youth
(12 to 18) who possesses more than five grams of dried marijuana will
be charged under the Youth Criminal Justice Act but does not mention
anything about amounts under five grams or under age 12.

Given all the science-based facts on the effect of cannabis on
developing brains I find this to be a very careless section. The
argument concerning ruining a young person's life with a record is
made moot since the offence is dealt with under the Youth Criminal
Justice Act.

I feel it is totally reckless to allow anyone under the age of 18 to
possess or use cannabis unless it is prescribed by a doctor. This is
not tolerated with alcohol or tobacco so why cannabis? If we have
children self-medicating at this age we need to offer them help. I
would ask that concerned parents read Bill C-45 and contact the
government and MPs to express their view on this.

Alan Rose

Medicine Hat
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MAP posted-by: Matt