CANNABIS CLARITY

Re: Don't Forget Pot-Psychosis Link, Tom Blackwell, Dec. 3. Tom
Blackwell mentions our study in which we highlight the link between
cannabis use and psychosis. It is important that the public, and
especially young people, understand the potential consequences of
cannabis use in order to make informed decisions. In reading Mr.
Blackwell's piece, however, it could be inferred that our findings
substantiate the argument in favour of the continued criminalization
of cannabis.

This was not the underlying policy conclusion of our paper. While we
argue that it would be logical to pursue policies with the aim of
reducing cannabis use in adolescents, we believe our current policy of
prohibition is both costly and ineffective. It also violates
individual freedoms and is inconsistent with how we treat substances
such as alcohol and tobacco. There are other options for decreasing
the use of cannabis. Many policy experts are advocating the
decriminalization of marijuana, coupled with more intensive
educational programs that encourage adolescents to make informed
decisions about cannabis use. In our paper, we question whether Canada
is spending enough resources on educating young people about the
substance. Education programs should be realistic, non-judgmental and
pursued in various forms, including at school and through media campaigns.

Even though the research on the link between psychosis and cannabis is
becoming clearer, this does not necessarily mean we should continue
our policy of prohibition.

Gilla Shapiro, Youthdale Child and Adolescent Sleep Centre, Dr. Leslie
Buckley-Hunter, University Health Network