MAKE DRUG POLICY RATIONAL

Toronto -- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health applauds The Globe
for its editorials this past week about decriminalizing the use of drugs,
an important discussion that does not usually receive sufficiently
researched debate. As Canada's largest addiction and mental health
facility, we have strong clinical and research-based evidence to support a
harm-reduction approach to drug use, including the decriminalization of
cannabis.

While negative health effects can result from extensive cannabis use,
studies in other jurisdictions have shown that reducing criminal sanctions
for possession for personal use lessens the negative social and individual
consequences, and does not lead to increased use. We urge the government to
follow The Globe and the growing number of organizations and Canadians who
support a more rational and balanced approach to drug policy.