Smokin Moose
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex Moderator
In Wall puffed, but Karwacki, Calvert said no ( SP, Oct. 26 ), the major party leaders demonstrated an embarrassing lack of knowledge about the impact of drug policy. The NDP's Lorne Calvert opposes legalization despite his party in November 2006 passing a near-unanimous resolution that calls for a non-punitive approach to cannabis law. Talk about being out of touch with voters and one's party members.
Sask. Party Leader Brad Wall opposes legalization because of a lack of effective roadside test to check for impairment under the influence of marijuana. There's also no reliable way to test motorists for impairment due to fatigue, caffeine, stress or a variety of prescription drugs.
Driving while impaired should be addressed whether drugs are legal or not. Why has Wall not made this an issue? He also continues to believe in the completely discredited gateway drug theory. The majority of marijuana users do not go on to use hard drugs.
It is more accurate to say that the nature of the black market exposes people to stronger drugs. Marijuana users go to an unregulated and untaxed black market supplied by dubious sources and the dealer may have something stronger on offer. If marijuana were sold in licensed outlets, this gateway would be shut.
Liberal Leader David Karwacki deserves credit for supporting decriminalization, although this solution to the drug problem does not address the impact the marijuana "prohibition" has on gangs, which make a lot of money selling pot.
It's telling that no leader of a mainstream party has the courage to do what's right and support legalizing marijuana.
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2007 The StarPhoenix
Contact: Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Website: Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Sask. Party Leader Brad Wall opposes legalization because of a lack of effective roadside test to check for impairment under the influence of marijuana. There's also no reliable way to test motorists for impairment due to fatigue, caffeine, stress or a variety of prescription drugs.
Driving while impaired should be addressed whether drugs are legal or not. Why has Wall not made this an issue? He also continues to believe in the completely discredited gateway drug theory. The majority of marijuana users do not go on to use hard drugs.
It is more accurate to say that the nature of the black market exposes people to stronger drugs. Marijuana users go to an unregulated and untaxed black market supplied by dubious sources and the dealer may have something stronger on offer. If marijuana were sold in licensed outlets, this gateway would be shut.
Liberal Leader David Karwacki deserves credit for supporting decriminalization, although this solution to the drug problem does not address the impact the marijuana "prohibition" has on gangs, which make a lot of money selling pot.
It's telling that no leader of a mainstream party has the courage to do what's right and support legalizing marijuana.
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2007 The StarPhoenix
Contact: Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Website: Saskatoon StarPhoenix
