---<br /> <br /> <br /> The use of cannabis is widespread and there is intermittent talk from the <br /> government of Canada regarding "decriminalizing," but not about legalizing, <br /> it. Cannabis has much in common with both alcohol and tobacco products. <br /> Each at various times has been demonized, banned, criminalized and targeted <br /> as a health risk. We can learn from these experiences.<br /> <br /> What can we learn from alcohol? First, banning doesn't work. As attempts at <br /> prohibition proves, it turns this area of the economy over to criminals and <br /> gives ordinary citizens criminal records.<br /> <br /> Second, although there are definite health hazards for some, there are also <br /> putative benefits and people for millennia have ignored any claimed risks. <br /> Accordingly, we have decided that such a large group has a right to make <br /> its own decision.<br /> <br /> Third, the system the Liquor Control Board of Ontario uses to control <br /> alcohol distribution is effective. Alcohol is available to adults, its <br /> purity is assured, there is a minimal black market and the province gets <br /> considerable revenue.<br /> <br /> We also know there is a downside to alcohol and assistance is given to <br /> problem drinkers. There are protections against drunk drivers, for example. <br /> Controlled distribution is an effective compromise for this product.<br /> <br /> What can we learn from tobacco products?<br /> <br /> All the evidence from the last 30 years indicates that tobacco is dangerous <br /> for the health of both smokers and anyone who regularly inhales second-hand <br /> smoke. Despite these risks, some will still smoke and we have decided <br /> adults have the right to make their own decisions.<br /> <br /> Accordingly, tobacco products remain legal for adults. Tobacco products are <br /> also extremely addictive, so we put many controls on them. Smoking in <br /> public places has been restricted, tobacco products are taxed heavily to <br /> reduce the demand and promotion has been virtually eliminated in an effort <br /> to reduce the number of new smokers, especially among the young.<br /> <br /> We are reaching an effective compromise that protects smokers, non-smokers, <br /> and minors.<br /> <br /> What lessons can we draw from these experiences for cannabis? Concerning <br /> health, as far back as 1972 the LeDain Royal Commission on the Non-Medical <br /> Use of Drugs reported that "the physical and mental effects of cannabis <br /> would appear to be much less serious than those which may result from <br /> excessive use of alcohol."<br /> <br /> This statement appears true 30 years later. More recently, there are <br /> claimed health benefits, especially to some who suffer from certain <br /> illnesses. All in all, this is a situation that calls for personal choice, <br /> but with appropriate controls.<br /> <br /> So what should be the preferred path?<br /> <br /> First, the federal government should make the use of cannabis products <br /> legal: Decriminalization is not sufficient.<br /> <br /> Second, a safe, regulated supply should be made available, perhaps through <br /> a CCBO or Cannabis Control Board of Ontario.<br /> <br /> These steps would guarantee product purity, take criminals out of this area <br /> of the economy, provide tax revenues, allow police to concentrate on more <br /> serious crime and stop the harassment of ordinary citizens.<br /> <br /> Existing R.I.D.E. programs can be used to help control irresponsible <br /> drivers, and the use of designated drivers can be adopted from our <br /> experience with alcohol.<br /> <br /> One of the major benefits will be to reduce the availability of pot to <br /> minors. If this seems counterintuitive, just ask any teenager which is more <br /> available to them, alcohol or cannabis? Drug dealers don't ask for <br /> proof-of-age.<br /> <br /> Cannabis use is so pervasive that its use may go almost unnoticed if it <br /> were legalized. It will have benefits all around, not the least of which <br /> will be the capture of money that now goes to criminals.<br /> <br /> Naturally, moralists will object to this "sin" being legalized and wish to <br /> impose their beliefs on others. Surely, we can overcome this attitude in <br /> modern Canada.<br /> <br /> The other issue is the reaction of the United States, whose absurd, <br /> counterproductive "war on drugs" is opposed to any tolerance for <br /> recreational drugs. Controlled distribution in Canada should minimize the <br /> amount of legal cannabis that goes to the U.S., as it does with alcohol. <br /> Perhaps, in time, Americans will learn from our experience and soften their <br /> attitude.<br /> <br /> Most arguments against cannabis legalization are moralistic, whereas the <br /> arguments in favour are pragmatic and would help to protect minors, users, <br /> and society.<br /> <br /> The time has come to legalize cannabis.<br /> <br /> Wayne G. Cook is a member of the Toronto Star's community editorial board.<br /> <br />Aurora Indica |  B52 |  Big Bud |  California Orange Bud |  Citral |  Four Way |  Haze |  Hindu Kush |  Indoor Mix |  Jock Horror |  K2 |  Maroc x Afghan |  Northern Light x Big Bud |  Northern Light x Haze |  Northern Light x Shiva |  Shiva |  Skunk #1 |  Skunk Red Hair |  Skunk Special |  Papaya |  White Rhino |  Haze 19 x Skunk |  Afghan |  Master Kush |  Northern Light |  Super Skunk |  Top 44 |  Durban Poison |  Early Bud |  Early Girl |  Early Misty |  Early Special |  Hawaii x Maui Waui |  Hawaii x Skunk #1 |  Hollands Hope |  KC 33 x Master Kush |  Mixed Sativa |  New Purple Power |  Swazi |  Swiss Miss |  Northern Bright |  Snow White (fem.) |  Supergirl |  Venus |  Wonder Woman |  Kaya |  PPP (fem.) |  Medusa |  Blue Mystic |  Chrystal |  Ice |  Misty |  PPP |  White Widow |  Nirvana Special |  White Rhino |  Snow White |  AK-48 |  Bubblelicious |  Silver Pearl |  Haze |  Jock Horror |  Northern Light x Haze |  White Rhino |  Haze 19 x Skunk |