NO REASON TO DELAY POT REFORM

Re: Lisa Wei's My Generation column Saturday, May 31, "Cannabis Bill Raises
More Questions Than Answers."

Every point raised against decriminalization of marijuana possession has
been asked, answered and rejected by superior arguments in scholarly major
drug policy works. Every major drug policy work done in the past 60 years
and more has recommended decriminalization, or legalization, of marijuana
possession.

I have a few facts for the author and your readers to ponder. Between five
per cent and 12 per cent of drivers will drive stoned. This percentage may
rise to 20 per cent for those under 25. Scientific data shows that
marijuana users overcompensate for their quite minor two-hour impairment by
driving more slowly and cautiously. Speeding and careless driving kills
more people on our roads than any other behaviour. Ironically, it would
appear that the more people who drive stoned, the more safe roads will be.

Nevertheless, given public attitudes, a Canadian Senate committee
recommended developing effective tests for detecting marijuana impairment
in drivers. An effective saliva test is on the horizon. There is no good
reason to delay marijuana policy reform because this test needs time to be
perfected.

Matthew Hulett, Brick, N.J.