LEGALIZATION MISGUIDED

The Canadian government is now in the ill-advised process of decriminalizing
the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Despite some claims of benefit
by users, this would be a mistake.

In all the rhetoric surrounding the legalization controversy, I have not
noticed any mention of marijuana's negative effects. Besides being
addictive, it impairs motor, visual and mental functions. Chronic users may
become listless and unmotivated, and in extreme cases psychotic. Cannabis
contains 425 different substances which all have some effect on body organs.
Its legalization would start a downward trend. Starting with medical use, we
also would soon be tolerating recreational use, which has no redeeming
value. Also, the nefarious drug trade would be legitimized. Further, most
cocaine and heroin addicts begin their drug experimentation with marijuana
- -- not something to be encouraged.

The government should listen to the voices of wisdom in this matter.
Canada's police departments, which will be charged with implementing the new
law, will find it undermining their ability to combat the destructiveness of
drug abuse and the drug trade. Medicine Hat's police chief is one who
recently expressed misgivings about the prospect.

Moreover, the U.S. government considered the same measure a decade ago but
decisively rejected it.

The Senate is supposed to be a place of sober second thought. In its present
role as the foremost promoter of marijuana it is entirely out of character.
It has been said in marijuana's favour that it is no more toxic than
alcohol, a legal substance. To compare it to a substance which can cause
traffic accidents, destroy vital organs, cloud mental function, cause cancer
and mental retardation, incite domestic violence, and rob from the economy
is hardly a recommendation.

Charmaine Wood is a member of the Medicine Hat News community editorial
board.