DON'T LEGALIZE POT

Ottawa -- The Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Society of
Addiction Medicine believe that moving ahead with any change to the
legal status of marijuana, before development of a national drug
strategy, is irresponsible and potentially harmful to the health of
Canadians (Senators Want Pot Legalized -- Sept. 5).

As physicians, all too often we see first-hand the harmful effects of
drug addiction. As a society, our goal should be to end drug
addiction. The CMA and the CSAM are concerned that the recent report
from the Senate that recommends the legalization of marijuana runs
contrary to this goal.

The CMA and CSAM are not suggesting criminal prosecution of those
people found to be in possession of small amounts of marijuana. In
fact, we are not opposed to decriminalization, as long as it is done
in conjunction with a national drug strategy that promotes awareness
and prevention and provides for ample treatment.

The safety and long-term effects of marijuana use are not fully
understood. However, what we do know causes concern. We therefore urge
the government to first implement a comprehensive national drug
strategy before moving ahead with any changes to marijuana's legal
status.

DANA W. HANSON, president, Canadian Medical Association

BILL CAMPBELL, president, Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine,
Ottawa