MARIJUANA DANGEROUS TO PUBLIC

Editor, The Bulletin;

On behalf of the Canadian public, I call on the Federal and Provincial
Governments to take immediate action to protect us from individuals under
the influence (impairment) of marijuana. In particular the use of medicinal
marijuana and illegal use of marijuana is endangering our work sites and
our travelling public.

There is no current legislation that requires an individual using medicinal
marijuana to surrender their driving privileges. There is no legislation
that allows the police to test drivers who are consuming marijuana.
Employer testing policies are highly contentious and generate strong
feeling both for and against.

The short and long term effects of marijuana are well documented and are a
serious concern. Bill C-45 imposes a legal duty on all those who direct
work, including employers, to take reasonable measures to protect employee
and public safety.

The following information on marijuana is taken from the Canadian Human
Rights Tribunal hearing between Salvatore Milazzo and Canadian Human Rights
Commission and Autocar Connaisseur Inc. and Motor Coach Canada 2003 CHRT 37
2003/11/06.

Quote: The Effects of Cannabis on the Brain.

(119) Dr. Baker and Dr. Chiasson each gave testimony with respect to the
effects of cannabis consumption on the human brain, and once again were in
substantial agreement on many points. The active ingredient in cannabis is
Nine Delta tetrahydrocannabinol or 9-THC. The level of 9-THC in cannabis
available in Canada today is significantly higher than in the past, and the
drug accordingly that more potent.

(120) Nine Delta tetrahydrocannabinol is released when cannabis is first
ingested. The 9-THC takes effect immediately, with the
acute phase of intoxication peaking ten to thirty minutes later. Cannabis
users generally remain acutely intoxicated for a couple of hours, followed
by a period of sub-acute intoxication. This sub-acute intoxication lasts
for an additional 12-24 hours.

(121) During the period of acute intoxication, the cannabis user
experiences a sense of euphoria or "high". During this phase,
cannabis affects the user's memory, cognition, perception and motor
activity. This is followed by a period, the user's
concentration, memory and reflexes may be affected. The intoxicating effect
of cannabis may be enhanced or multiplied, if cannabis is ingested along
with another intoxicant such as alcohol.

(122) According to Dr. Chiasson, for chronic cannabis users, the sub-acute
or 'hangover' phase of cannabis intoxication is
characterized by ongoing neuropsychological dysfunction that can impair the
user's ability to drive a motor vehicle. Chronic users of cannabis can
require up to 28 days of abstention or 'washout' before their
neuropsychological tests results return to normal. Dr. Baker testified that
studies have shown impairment of fine motor skills for up to 24 hours,
post-consumption, although he indicated that there is some question as to
the validity of these studies.

(123) In some cases, the consumption of cannabis can have longer-term
effects on the user's ability to function. Chronic cannabis users can go
through a period of withdrawal if they stop using the drug. Symptoms of
withdrawal include irritability, restlessness, vivid disturbing dreams and
poor concentration. These symptoms can persist for one to three weeks.
During the withdrawal period, the user's perception, cognitive functioning
and motor skills could be sufficiently impaired that the individual should
not operate a motor vehicle.

(124) Flashbacks are a second potential long-term effect of chronic
cannabis use. Dr. Chiasson testified that in some cases, chronic cannabis
users can experience the symptoms of acute cannabis intoxication quite
suddenly, without having actually ingested the drug. These recurrences or
flashbacks typically occur when the user is tired or under stress.

(125) Dr. Baker and Dr. Chiasson agree that individuals employed in safety
sensitive positions - that is, positions where an
employee could put his own safety or the safety of others at risk - should
not be performing tasks such as driving motor vehicles while their ability
to drive is impaired by the use of cannabis.

End of quote.

While marijuana may have medicinal benefits it is clear that the general
public has a right to be protected from a patient who may drive a motor
vehicle while under the influence of the medication. We would all benefit
if appropriate action were taken to reduce the risk of motor vehicle and or
workplace accidents. Alcohol is a legal drug, however we recognize that it
does cause impairment and we have stringent laws to protect us. It should
be a relatively simple matter to notify the provincial motor vehicle branch
when a person is prescribed medical marijuana and have that persons'
license suspended until the use of the medication has been completed.

Law makers must also urgently address the growing issue of individuals who
drive a motor vehicle and smoke (illegal) marijuana and or drive after
recent use of marijuana. A secondary issue is the use of marijuana at work
sites where safety is a major concern. Lives are at risk and we all deserve
immediate attention to this serious matter.

E.J. (ED) SECONDIAK, C.D., CPCT

Brooks, AB.