FLAWED LEGISLATION

The bill to decriminalize marijuana is a very flawed piece of legislation.
The public seems to have misinterpreted the intent and, at first glance,
thinks this is the same as legalization of marijuana. It is definitely not
that; in fact, it seems to be a regressive, instead of a progressive, step.

The government stands to make millions in fines that it did not make prior
to this change. Much of this will come from from poor young people who are
already finding it difficult to pay large fines for alcohol possession. The
result is more probation and house arrest, instead of cash.

The growers who have been filling our jails needlessly, forcing families
onto welfare in many cases, will see even longer sentences as a result of
this flawed legislation. We need to see fewer, not more, people spending
time in jail for this drug.

Marijuana is not a harmless drug; it is the second most common substance in
the blood streams of Canadians who have motor vehicle accidents, after
benzodiazipines (Valium). It is much more common than alcohol in factors
leading to inattention, slow response times, loss of co-ordination involved
in motor vehicle and other machinery accidents. The up to 30 per cent of
users who become addicted will experience long-term negative effects. It
also changes the brain in permanent or long-lasting ways, the same as any
other psychotropic drugs will do.

It is too bad that our leaders are so shortsighted.

Derek Toupin, Chignecto