cannabisnews.com: Cops, MADD Jointly Urge Ottawa To Stop Pot Bill
Cops, MADD Jointly Urge Ottawa To Stop Pot Bill
Posted by CN Staff on November 03, 2003 at 07:29:36 PT
By CTV.ca News Staff
Source: CTV
The police and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are joining forces to urge the federal government to stop its push to pass controversial marijuana legislation before the House of Commons.The Canadian Professional Police Association, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and MADD Canada were in Ottawa Monday, to state their case against fast-tracking the adoption of Bill C-38.
According to Deputy Chief Mike Boyd, who is chair of the police chiefs' drug abuse committee, Ottawa needs to develop "a true national drug strategy" before moving forward with new marijuana legislation."There is nothing in this law that will deter or reduce marijuana use in Canada," Boyd said in statement. He added that the bill is unacceptable because it removes officers' discretion to lay criminal charges."While we are not opposed to the use of alternative measures, such as a ticket, to deal with possession of very small amounts of marijuana, we strongly believe that such measures should instill meaningful, appropriate, and graduated consequences."Justice Minister Martin Cauchon is leading the campaign to fast-track C-38. If passed as it was tabled in May, the legislation would eliminate the threat of jail terms and criminal records for anyone in possession of 15 grams or less of pot.Canadian Professional Police Association President Tony Cannavino called Ottawa's response to the growing problem of marijuana production, "seriously flawed and inadequate.""This government is sending the wrong message to Canadians, particularly our young people," Cannavino said, calling for minimum sentences for pot growers and increased sentences for operations with more than 25 plants.For his part, MADD Canada's National Executive Director, Andrew Murie, says the law will be "a recipe for trouble on our roads.""We are urging the government to give the police the authority they need to detect and charge drug impaired drivers prior to loosening the drug possession laws," Murie said.According to a consultation paper obtained by The Canadian Press on October 21, Ottawa is considering amending the legislation to allow police to administer roadside tests to motorists suspected of being impaired by drugs.The suggested amendments would establish a legal drug limit, the obligation to submit to tests, the possibility of providing urine, blood or perspiration samples and penalties for refusing to comply. Although it's illegal in Canada to drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol, there's no quick roadside test for drug use -- unlike alcohol consumption, which can be measured on the spot by a breathalyzer exam. Under current laws, police officers can only ask drivers whether they have used drugs, but can't administer a test. But MADD denounced the report. "A consultation document doesn't save lives," MADD Canada president Louise Knox said.Mandatory minimum jail sentences for growers and tougher penalties for repeat offenders are among the other changes the government is reportedly considering to strengthen political support for the legislation.Source: CTV (Canada)Published: November 3, 2003Copyright: 2003 Bell Globemedia Interactive Inc. Website: http://www.ctv.ca/Contact: newsonline ctv.ca Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmOttawa To Let Police Conduct Roadside Testshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17655.shtmlOttawa Proposes Changes To Allow Drug-Testing http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17636.shtmlPot Power To Police: MADD http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16324.shtml
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Comment #23 posted by jose melendez on November 04, 2003 at 03:17:02 PT
whatever, they are willfully ignorant.
The largest corporate sponsors listed by MADD manufacture automobiles.MADD assures us they are not against alcohol consumption, but is unwilling to acknowledge that regardless of the law, most responsibly use cannabis.Perhaps we should thank them, the newspapers are finally pointing out that there is more to this story . . . from:http://www.thedailynews.co.nz/
Tests in Britain showed that while people tended to drive more slowly and cautiously under its influence, their ability to steer and stay on the road is reduced. Surprisingly, reaction times to motorway hazards and performance on cognitive tests in the laboratory were not significantly affected. It is worth noting also that trials previously completed under similar test conditions have shown that alcohol and tiredness have a more adverse effect on driving ability. The results of the cannabis and driving study also agree with similar research in Australia, the United States and Holland.
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Comment #22 posted by freedom fighter on November 03, 2003 at 21:44:59 PT
Just maybe
we can do alot to inform MADD about this issue.. and get them on our side. pazff
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Comment #21 posted by Arthropod on November 03, 2003 at 16:28:12 PT:
Hmmm...
I wonder who the corporate sponsors are?
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Comment #20 posted by jose melendez on November 03, 2003 at 15:24:41 PT
maybe not
from:http://www.madd.org/aboutus/MADD is a 501(c)(3) non-profit grass roots organization with more than 600 chapters nationwide. MADD is not a crusade against alcohol consumption - MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking.
Leadership Information about MADD's national leadership, board of directors, and MADD's Strategic Plan. MADD History Since being founded in 1980 by Candy Lightner and a small group of other mothers, MADD has grown to one of the largest crime victims organizations in the world. Find out more about our history and milestones. Funding The majority of MADD's funding comes from individual donors; other sources include grants and bequests in addition to MADD's corporate sponsors.
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Comment #19 posted by kaptinemo on November 03, 2003 at 13:47:51 PT:
"Whose bread I eat, his song I sing"
And whose 'bread' is the MADD of Canada eating?Years ago, the PFDFA was quite open about jumping in bed with such drug peddlers as distilleries and breweries...until the hypocrisy became like the elephant in the living room.It's legitimate to ask where the greater part of the MADD(C)'s money is coming from; I seriously doubt the vast majority of it hails from individual donations.
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Comment #18 posted by observer on November 03, 2003 at 13:38:20 PT
''Cannabis May Make You A Safer Driver''
"According to a consultation paper obtained by The Canadian Press on October 21, Ottawa is considering amending the legislation to allow police to administer roadside tests to motorists suspected of being impaired by drugs."Note how the legislation to not jail some cannabis users (one substance) has morphed into all "drugS" (plural). As far as cannabis goes, cannabis users are safer drivers. You don't see the little MADD ladies citing these studies, do you? Cannabis/Driving Studies
Australia: No Proof Cannabis Put Drivers At Risk (2001) http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1849/a09.htmlUK: Cannabis May Make You A Safer Driver (2000) http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1161/a02.html University Of Toronto Study Shows Marijuana Not A Factor In Driving Accidents (1999) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases\1999\03\990325110700.htm Australia: Cannabis Crash Risk Less: Study (1998) http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98/n945/a08.html Australia: Study Goes to Pot (1998) http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98/n947/a06.html
Canada: breaking drug news http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/canada
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on November 03, 2003 at 13:26:48 PT
goneposthole
I agree with you. This is what the ads say to me. Take this pill and it will only get you addicted and we'll be guaranteed that money will keep rolling in.
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Comment #16 posted by goneposthole on November 03, 2003 at 13:20:47 PT
goddamn the pusherman
those pushers of vicodin, oxycontin, methamphetamines. those emails I get to buy viagra. goddamn the pusherman of viagra.
goddamn the advertisers for allowing such sales to exist. they're a pusherman, too. So God, damn them. Goddamn the pushers of the agenda of condemnation of cannabis. Those pushers are pushing too hard. Goddamn those who push, who make haste to waste all that life has given. Goddamn those whose agenda includes taking life. They're pushing too hard.
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Comment #15 posted by E_Johnson on November 03, 2003 at 13:08:32 PT
Send it to CTV
They need to know the facts, then they can decide whether they care about them.
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Comment #14 posted by jose melendez on November 03, 2003 at 12:20:06 PT
got stats?
Marijuana And Actual Driving Performance - U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (DOT HS 808 078), Final Report, November 1993 http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/MISC/driving/driving.htmMarijuana, Alcohol and Actual Driving Performance - U.S. Department of Transportation, National Traffic Safety Administration, DOT HS 808 939, July 1999 http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/MISC/driving/Marijuana%20-Alcohol%20Driv ing%20Study%20--%20DOT%20HS%20808%20939.htmCannabis and Road Safety: An Outline of the Research Studies to Examine the Effects of Cannabis on Driving Skills and Actual Driving Performance - Dr G.B. Chesher Department of Pharmacology University of Sydney and National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre University of New South Wales. http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/MISC/driving/driving2.htmHWJ Robbe Marijuana's Effects on Actual Driving Performance http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/MISC/driving/s1p2.htmJE Hall Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Commercial Transportation http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/MISC/driving/s1p1.htmDrugs and Driving Impairment by Arthur J. McBay http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/MISC/driving/ddimp.htmMore studies, and articles, many of which may overlap. I apoligize for that ahead of time.http://www.sciencedaily.com/print/1999/03/990325110700.htmhttp://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99992063http://raru.adelaide.edu.au/T95/paper/s1p2.htmlhttp://www.newsandevents.utoronto.ca/bin/19990329a.asphttp://www.drugtext.org/sub/marmyt1.htmlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_1068000/1068625.stmhttp://www.roads.dtlr.gov.uk/roadsafety/research16/http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_309000/309603.stmhttp://mojo.calyx.net/~olsen/HEMP/IHA/iha01206.html
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Comment #13 posted by jose melendez on November 03, 2003 at 12:16:02 PT
dope at the wheel
from:http://www.newscientist.com/hottopics/marijuana/dopeatthewheel.jspA single glass of wine will impair your driving more than smoking a joint. And under certain test conditions, the complex way alcohol and cannabis combine to affect driving behaviour suggests that someone who has taken both may drive less recklessly than a person who is simply drunk.These are the findings of a major new study by British transport researchers. The unpublished research, seen exclusively by New Scientist, stops well short of condoning driving under the influence of even small amounts of cannabis. But in a week which has seen renewed debate in Britain surrounding the criminalisation of cannabis (see Cannabis nation), it throws an uncomfortable spotlight on a problem confronting governments everywhere—how to deter the growing numbers of cannabis users from "dope driving".
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Comment #12 posted by MikeEEEEE on November 03, 2003 at 10:57:21 PT
Fantasy
A totally protected and safe world is a fantasy. The people trying to sell it are scammers. These parent groups successfully killed the freedom movement in the late 70's. Then in the 80's we were stuck with "Just say no," and since then, hundreds of thousands of arrests.I think it's too late for their kind of scam. If they win it's because somebody already decided.
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on November 03, 2003 at 10:37:32 PT
Adam
If you see this and when you have time check your email.
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Comment #10 posted by Marc Paquette on November 03, 2003 at 10:32:59 PT:
Oh..sorry Mrs Johnson
I'm sorry, I didn't know that it was a lady. Sorry Miss or Mrs Johnson :o)Peace,
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on November 03, 2003 at 10:30:12 PT
Marc
Hi Marc. This isn't a big thing but you might like to know our EJ is a she!
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Comment #8 posted by Marc Paquette on November 03, 2003 at 10:28:01 PT:
I agree with you E_Johnson, but...
Hi Mr E_Johnson;I agree with you 100%, but if you send this research to medias, I wouldn't be surprised that it will be silenced and not published. The reason: "Advertising dollars". Our medias cannot go against our government without being punished. Anyway, I sincerely hope you succeed, but I'm afraid that you may lose your time.I have been victim of censure so many times on the medias..tv, radio and newspapers for telling the truth on how our government is treating our legal medical marijuana Exemptees in Canada..they hide everything. It's normal when we're talking about their "bread and butter".Peace,Marc
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on November 03, 2003 at 10:19:57 PT
Two Related Articles
Case Thrown Out For Pot-Smoking Driver: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16992.shtmlAlcohol Impairs Driving More than Marijuana: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12299.shtml
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Comment #6 posted by AlvinCool on November 03, 2003 at 09:58:09 PT
Dr Russo
I agree with you but from an enforcement point of view it just won't work.Field sobriety tests just don't work on cannabis users. They pass them just like they are not under the infulence.Hmnnnn......
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Comment #5 posted by E_Johnson on November 03, 2003 at 09:52:48 PT
Bombard them with the facts
Everyone needs to send them letters like this:Dear editors,I find it really interesting that NOBODY in the Canadian press has yet discovered that there is a huge amount of existing scientific research on pot and driving.Every scientist who has studied drivers on pot has concluded that drivers high on pot are not a hazard on the road. The very slight impairment in tracking ability caused by marijuana seems to be balanced by increased caution exercised by drivers on pot. This result turns up in study after study. The result is -- drivers on pot create no increased risk of accidents on the highway. This is a fact, established by science. Since you are writing arrticles on pot and driving, stirring up public fear that this is a problem, shouldn't you CARE what the FACTS are? Journalists are traditionally supposed to care about facts, but with marijuana that seems not to be the case.I'm sending articles on this study to everyone in the Canadian press, and keeping a record of it all.I am putting together a list of every journalistic organization in Canada that ignores the research on marijuana and driving and refuses to inform their readers that any such research has ever been done.So now CTV is going to be on my list. Will you ignore the scientific research on mariojuana and driving, or will you exercise some degree of responsibility towards your viewers?Here is one of the many articles on marijuana and driving written by the many responsible fact-oriented journalistic organizations that exist OUTSIDE OF CANADA.http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1849/a09.htmlNO PROOF CANNABIS PUT DRIVERS AT RISKStudies had found it impossible to prove cannabis adversely affected driving, an Adelaide University researcher said yesterday.(etc)
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Comment #4 posted by Adam1 on November 03, 2003 at 09:31:14 PT
Job Security is the real issue here for C.P.P.
By allowing police officers to express their opinion regarding a law you promote a potential conflict of interest, especially regarding cannabis laws where there is a clear matter of Job Security. For without cannabis prohibition there would be far less crime and more police may be out of work. It is the NOT job of police officers to express their views on a law! It is the police officers duty to enforce a law, NOT to promote, or condemn laws.
Eric Knudsen A.K.A.RasAric
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Comment #3 posted by Marc Paquette on November 03, 2003 at 09:21:21 PT:
You are so RIGHT Dr Ethan Russo :o)
Hi Dr. Ethan Russo;Nice talking to you. I agree with you 100% and there was also a study that was done about drivers on cannabis that was done in Australia in 2001. They found out that most drivers on cannabis only were slower and more attentive drivers. MADD should be aware of this instead of speaking out of ignorance about cannabis.I have you on my website twice Dr. Russo if ever you have the chance to look at it. I am a legal medical marijuana Exemptee in Canada since March 2000 and up to my 11th exemption since..many court fights against Health "Hell" Canada..40 times since March 2001! You are a great addition to our website Dr Russo and I encourage you in ALL your cannabis research and projects!Peace, health and take care Dr Ethan RussoMarc
http://www.medpot.net
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Comment #2 posted by Ethan Russo MD on November 03, 2003 at 08:54:08 PT:
Jumping in Again
This situation is complicated. MADD does some very important work. It is in everyone's interest to ensure that impaired drivers are not on the road. This audience knows that the person who utilizes cannabis only is generally a safer driver, and there is no comparison to the driver who has even moderately imbibed.Safety is best assured by observing driving behavior. If someone is weaving, or speeding, of course they should be stopped. A serum level of cannabinoids, however, usually has no correlation with impairment. The only reasonable solution is that genuinely impaired suspects complete a field sobriety test.It is necessary that what I call "the impeccability factor" operate here. We should educate people about the relative safety of cannabis, particularly when it pertains to medical users who are accustomed to it, and can safely drive, much as people can on many types of medication. The best, and most germane source of information on this is the Canadian Senate Report:http://www.parl.gc.ca/Common/Committee_SenRecentReps.asp?Language=E&Parl=37&Ses=1It is a shame that no one, particularly the Canadian Parliamentatians, seems to have read it.
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Comment #1 posted by sam adams on November 03, 2003 at 08:05:26 PT
Fascists revealed
Ah yes, MADD. By 2050 they'll have us all living in a barbed wire prison camp, all in the name of "saving lives". We'll be totally safe in our concentration camps, the only thing that will ever die will be the freedom of man. Everything else will be provided, including a feeding tube so the State can "save your life" indefinitely.
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