HELL ON WHEELS

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon is the first to admit that there is no
valid test in force to determine whether a driver is stoned on cannabis.
Fine, just don't change the laws governing marijuana use until there is one.

And by that we mean a reliable, easy-to-use, court-enforceable procedure
that police can employ roadside at the first suspicion of an intoxicated
driver, in the same manner that breathalyzers are currently used to keep
drunks off the road.

Right now, the only reliable test for cannabis use is a blood test and it
is not enforceable.

Hey, we favour reducing the penalties for possession of small amounts of
pot. But if these changes go into effect without first finding a way to
crack down on stoned drivers, it's going to be hell on wheels on our roads.

Today's youth, in particular, pose an ominous safety threat if they
misinterpret the relaxation of our laws governing marijuana to include
driving while under the influence. Yes, we know -- youth today are well
apprised of the risks of drinking and driving, arguably better apprised
than any other generation.

But we believe there may be less caution about the risks of driving while
under the influence of a little pot. It appears some kids (and we suspect
more than a few adults) really believe they are better drivers after
puffing on a joint or two.

Admittedly, education will go some way toward mitigating the risks, but
that alone won't ensure that our new pot laws don't result in carnage on
our roads. Drivers need to know the risks of getting caught while under the
influence are every bit as great as driving drunk.

We're also concerned that unsuspecting passengers face the risk of getting
into a car driven by some stoned driver. The symptoms of being stoned are
usually less obvious than inebriation, and a stoned driver might not appear
as such to others. Again, drivers need to know the penalties for such
behaviour will be swift and severe.

In the rush to amend our drug laws we can't forget that marijuana is a
mind-altering substance.

If used improperly or under the wrong circumstances it can be as deadly as
a bottle of gin or case of beer.

Society has a right to protect its members from the dangers posed by
others. Until we can be assured that there are proper enforcement
procedures in place to protect us from stoned drivers, the government
should put changes to our marijuana laws on the back burner.