PARTY LEADERS' DRUG STANCE EMBARRASSINGLY IGNORANT

In Wall puffed, but Karwacki, Calvert said no (SP, Oct. 26), the
major party leaders demonstrated an embarrassing lack of knowledge
about the impact of drug policy. The NDP's Lorne Calvert opposes
legalization despite his party in November 2006 passing a
near-unanimous resolution that calls for a non-punitive approach to
cannabis law. Talk about being out of touch with voters and one's
party members.

Sask. Party Leader Brad Wall opposes legalization because of a lack
of effective roadside test to check for impairment under the
influence of marijuana. There's also no reliable way to test
motorists for impairment due to fatigue, caffeine, stress or a
variety of prescription drugs.

Driving while impaired should be addressed whether drugs are legal or
not. Why has Wall not made this an issue? He also continues to
believe in the completely discredited gateway drug theory. The
majority of marijuana users do not go on to use hard drugs.

It is more accurate to say that the nature of the black market
exposes people to stronger drugs. Marijuana users go to an
unregulated and untaxed black market supplied by dubious sources and
the dealer may have something stronger on offer. If marijuana were
sold in licensed outlets, this gateway would be shut.

Liberal Leader David Karwacki deserves credit for supporting
decriminalization, although this solution to the drug problem does
not address the impact the marijuana "prohibition" has on gangs,
which make a lot of money selling pot.

It's telling that no leader of a mainstream party has the courage to
do what's right and support legalizing marijuana.

Sherry Protsko

Saskatoon