BLOWING SMOKE

Re: Big-business lobby urges delay in easing marijuana laws, NOV. .22.

The over-reaction of big business is based on the myth that
decriminalization of cannabis will increase its use. If they had done
their homework, the executives would know that people who want to
smoke pot already do, supply is meeting demand, and those who need
marijuana for medical reasons are forced to go to a dealer to fill
their prescription.

The corporate world should focus on more pressing issues regarding
workplace health, namely the prevailing attitude toward employees with
disabilities and the influence of stressful business practices.

Instead of trying to diagnose their workforce, large organizations
should focus on implementing the recommendations of past studies and
stop paying lip service to their conclusions.

The biggest cause of increased substance use in the workplace is
self-medication to deal with climbing stress levels. It is time to
stop passing the buck and accept some blame for this workplace problem.

Stephanie Carriere,

Ottawa