As a federal medical marijuana licence holder who is also married to one, I am particularly shocked and dismayed at our new government's attitude towards pot ["Sowing drug war seeds," March 9]. Their policies will make all of our lives a lot more dangerous. There is a misconception in our society that anyone who advocates for marijuana legalization must be a silly stoner who just wants to smoke pot all day and have everyone join him. The truth of the matter is, we just want to see prohibition end. [continues 230 words]
The impetus for increasing the war on drugs in Canada is obviously coming from the U.S. In 2004, there were 1,745,712 total arrests for drugs, and 771,605 were for cannabis alone. There were 684,319 arrests for cannabis possession. This is a wholesale waste of police and government resources just to police freedom of choice. They have escalated a war upon otherwise law-abiding and peaceful citizens. If prohibition actually was effective, would not the numbers of arrests be decreasing? Rather than making drugs less available, it seems the reverse is true. Drugs are so popular now that nearly one million Americans per year have to be arrested, perhaps incarcerated, and wholly fleeced by the cost of so-called justice. All the while there are states legalizing cannabis for medical use or making cannabis laws the lowest priority. [continues 125 words]
I agree with NORML Canada executive director Marc-Boris St. Maurice that to proceed on the noble path of ending the marijuana prohibition in Canada, it's wise to limit cannabis commerce to domestic transactions. However, I also feel that great lenience should be shown toward Mr. Baghdadlian and his crew this time given the horrific immorality of this particular prohibition. In spite of the present Conservative-led parliament, I hope that Canada ends prohibition very soon. The harsh judgment of history will hold the U.S. government liable for its inhumanity in this matter--and a growing number of other ones. IVAN SMASON, PhD, J.D. [end]
I am a Montreal police officer with over 30 years experience on the job, 20 of those years working drug squad and surveillance sections. I also grew up in a poor and tough neighbourhood of Montreal and have seen many people I grew up with ruin their lives because of the consumption of drugs. The views and opinions expressed are my personal ones and not ones necessarily held by the Montreal Police Service. I must say I was simply dumbfounded by the solutions suggested in the letters to the editor titled 'Legalise it' and 'Lost credibility' (The Chronicle, March 8). I think that these people should get out of their office and see the real world to realize the damage the use of illegal drugs are causing, especially to our youth. [continues 239 words]
Dear Editor, Ken Locke, of Glenville, is taking a stand for freedom and compassion - - things most Americans once stood proudly for. Thank you to Frank Smith and the Crossroads Chronicle for your coverage of his historic journey for justice. People are going to self-medicate, smoke, drink and party, no matter what the law says. The best we can hope from our policies is to reduce the harm. Current policies destroy families. There are an estimated nine million orphaned American children caused by the war on drugs. Prohibition triggers violence, corruption and crime, causing more death and suffering than the drugs themselves. [continues 162 words]
More help is being made available to children of parents who operate crystal methamphetamine labs and indoor marijuana grow operations. Children's Services Minister Heather Forsyth introduced Bill 2, the Drug Endangered Act (DECA) to deal with the increasing problem of children being exposed to drug activities, Feb. 23 in the Alberta Legislature. "It's a very timely and long overdue legislation," said Ward Antoniuk, co-chair of the Leduc Community Drug Action Committee. "Kids are our biggest resource and we need to take a standpoint to protect them against drug trafficking." [continues 166 words]
The drug deaths of her half sister and nephew from a fentanyl overdose nearly a year ago in Shelbyville changed Jackie Hyden's life. The rural Knoxville, Tenn., homemaker now tells her family's story to schoolchildren as part of a drug education program, reaching as many as 800 children at a time. "I tell them that drugs can kill, and they do kill," Hyden said during a recent visit to her former hometown, Shelbyville. "If I save just one person, it's worth it." [continues 373 words]
Mississauga And Brampton Among Cities Who Have Passed Bylaws The Oxford Community Police Service Board is investigating a novel approach to recouping some of the costs associated with dismantling the growing number of marijuana grow operations. At Monday's board meeting, the members endorsed Chief Ron Fraser's request to research bylaws adopted by the cities of Brampton and Mississauga, as well as legislation passed in British Columbia, that allow municipalities to recover a portion of the costs from the occupant or property owner of a dismantled grow operation. [continues 447 words]
Ask The Expert Knowledge is power when it comes to understanding the spreading usage of illegal drugs, says a 10-year veteran of the drug war. Steve Walton, a former detective sergeant with Calgary's drug unit, provided more than 100 Airdrie parents, health professionals and social service professionals with a street drug overview, at Bert Church Theatre, March 2. As part of his presentation he focussed on the so-called "big three" street drugs in Alberta - methamphetamine, cocaine, and marihuana. [continues 936 words]
A local drug awareness group is planning a peaceful demonstration this Wednesday with the joint goals of encouraging higher penalties for those who commit drug-related offences and letting drug traffickers know they are unwelcome in the community. The Brooks and District Drug Task Force will hold an assembly outside the Brooks Provincial Courthouse beginning at 9:30 a.m. on March 15. According to task force vice chair Ed Secondiak, the group is seeking more accountability from judges and prosecutors with regard to jail sentences and bail conditions for drug traffickers. [continues 494 words]
Society is starting to become more dependent now on stimulant drugs. The availability of such drugs is common, although it is starting to take on a new scene. The raves and after hour clubs are not the only place to find certain drugs such as ecstasy. In fact, this kind of drug, along with 'Ketamine', 'GHB' and 'Meth' are the new trend that are not exclusive to the club scene any more. "It's a misnomer that you'll only find these drugs at the after hour clubs and raves," said Ian Sanderson, the Drug Awareness Coordinator for the RCMP. "In fact, the whole culture of raves is on the decline." [continues 503 words]
