EDITORIAL: NOT THE TIME TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

After much research, a Senate committee has come to the conclusion
recreational use of marijuana is less harmful than either alcohol or
tobacco, so it is recommending laws be changed to make it legal.

In fact, the committee went so far as to insist Canadians as young as 16
should be able to buy and smoke the now-illegal narcotic.

While there were some who questioned the health issues surrounding
marijuana smoke, few believed it was any worse than other bad habits, such
as nicotine or alcohol. That was never the major concern.

The problem with legalizing marijuana has nothing to do with the health of
Canadians, it has to do with the safety of Canadians.

Unlike alcohol, which also has an intoxicating effect, there is no proven
test for intoxication through marijuana. There is no breathalyser, no
roadside test. Pot smoke certainly has a distinct odour, which helps police
officers lay charges now, but if the drug were legalized, odour would not
tell an officer how much a driver may have inhaled.

Roadways are dangerous enough without opening the door to drivers under the
influence of marijuana.

Forget about all the reasons why it should be alright to light up a joint.
Until there is a test to determine the intoxication level of motorists,
pilots, whoever, there is no sound argument for its legalization.

Decriminalizing recreational use is another debate, but at least under that
option, police would still be able to fine people for its use, the fine
just wouldn't come with a criminal charge.