OVER-THE-COUNTER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND CAFFEINE CAN BE AS BAD OR
WORSE FOR DRIVERS AS MARIJUANA

Re: Tories target drivers impaired by drugs, The Standard, Nov. 22.

Having read the legislation proposed by Justice Minister Vic Toews,
I'm irked that only cannabis users are singled out for potential
offences under his drugged driving bill.

There are plenty of prescription narcotics far more dangerous than
cannabis that people are using before driving. These too should be
added to the list. Pharmacists label prescriptions with warnings such
as may cause drowsiness. Anyone taking a prescription labelled as
such should be forbidden from driving until their prescription is completed.

Caffeine raises stress levels. Thus coffee may cause aggressive
driving or road rage. Eliminating drivers from drinking coffee and
popping prescription pills would put far fewer cars on the road,
which also solves the Conservative government's environmental woes.

Finally, the Conservatives have buried in the bill the most
fascinating clause. Anyone who has cannabis on them in any amount
while in a vehicle is liable to be charged under the act for drugged driving.

Transporting cannabis is not trafficking, but under this bill someone
opting to bring cannabis to maybe an ill friend, but who never uses
the substance themselves (and I know caregivers like this) can be
charged for drugged driving. Simply put, why charge someone with
simple possession (a fine) when they can be charged with a much more
serious drugged driving (five years jail)?

Matt Mernagh

St. Paul Street

St. Catharines