Pot is potentially psychologically dangerous in the short and long-term in unpredictable and extreme ways. Hopefully, Justin Trudeau will take the scientific evidence into account about the potential dangers of marijuana, including its ability to trigger panic attack disorders, anxiety, depression, paranoid psychosis and schizophrenia, before moving ahead with full legalization. These risks are amplified if there's a family history of mental illness. While the majority of adverse affects for users may range from minor memory loss or paranoia to lethargy, the more serious impacts of "bad trips" and negative reactions can be truly devastating. [continues 752 words]
The number of provincial drunk driving charges are down compared to 2013, but drug-impaired driving rates have substantially increased. According to OPP statistics, in 2014 up to the end of September, 5,685 impaired charges were laid by the OPP, down 17% from the same period in 2013 which saw 6,842 impaired charges laid; however, compared to the same period in 2013, there was a 32% increase in 2014 in the number of drug-impaired driving occurrences. "The number one drug is cannabis, and that's the one that we see the most of," said Sergeant Dave Wallbank, coordinator for the OPP's Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, reminding people that possession and smoking of cannabis is illegal and significantly impairs driving. [continues 743 words]
