POLICE SHOULD STAY OUT OF POT REFORM PROJECT

Re: Health unit targets pot smokers, April 10. This article mentioned an
estimated 26,169 York Region students have used marijuana, while there have
been
"almost 5,000 reported unsuccessful attempts to quit".

Since cannabis is not an addictive substance, I have to ask what is
defined as an "unsuccessful attempt to quit?" Someone who thought it
was a shame to let a joint burn down?

But seriously, with regards to cannabis and driving, it should be
noted Rick Reimer of Kilaloe, ON was recently acquitted of impaired
driving because Ontario Court Justice Bruce MacPhee was satisfied his
cannabis use was not an impairment.

Furthermore, it should also be mentioned courts across the country
are throwing out possession charges on a regular basis and, regardless
of what police or the justice minister may say, in this country,
courts have ruled possession of under 30 grams of cannabis is a legal
activity.

While no one wants kids skipping school to get stoned, I think this
type of awareness activity should be placed firmly in the hands of
health professionals and should not, in any way, have police --
against the loosening of cannabis laws for professional development
reasons -- involved in the program.

TIM MEEHAN

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

ONTARIO CONSUMERS FOR SAFE ACCESS TO RECREATIONAL CANNABIS

(OCSARC.ORG)

TORONTO