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The marijuana debate: where do they stand? continued from p.6 He argues the person that sells the marijuana, the dealer, is the gateway offering customers harder drugs in an effort to make more money. M.B. said he is not sure legalization would change this dynamic. · · · · Local candidates in the coming federal election have this to say about the legalization of marijuana. Oakville Conservative candidate Terence Young "Marijuana is available by prescription to anyone who claims that it helps treat any medical condition. But the Liberal plan to legalize marijuana, and sell it in stores like cigarettes and alcohol, is a serious threat to the physical and mental health of our children and youth. Imagine Oakville like Vancouver today, where there are more illegal marijuana dispensaries than Starbucks coffee shops, and where in April, 63 youths suffering from nausea, vomiting, and heart palpitations crowded a Vancouver hospital emergency room due to marijuana poisoning after a marijuana street party. "Recently, I attended a candlelight memorial in Town Square for our young people who had died of overdoses to prescription painkillers. "Marijuana is also addictive and is a gateway drug. Why would any responsible person want to make it more easily available to our children? "Legalization would no doubt increase recreational marijuana use by making it easier for children and teens to get their hands on. After marijuana was commercialized in Colorado, the number of 12 to 17 year olds who smoke marijuana increased 26 per cent. The Liberal claim that `regulations' will keep marijuana out of the hands of youth is a false promise. Drug dealers don't quit selling marijuana. In Colorado, drug dealers are still thriving after 18 months of legalization." Oakville Liberal candidate John Oliver "Liberals believe that legalization -- not simply decriminalization -- is the best way to keep marijuana out of the hands of children, prevent the proceeds from funding criminal activities, and reduce the negative health impacts. The status quo isn't working. The Conservatives' approach to marijuana is failing our children. A recent World Health Organization report revealed that Canada has the highest teen usage of marijuana among the countries surveyed. The system is clearly broken. The Liberal solution is clear: If we pass smart laws that tax and strictly regulate marijuana, we can better protect our kids, while preventing millions of dollars from going into the pockets of criminal organizations and street gangs. Regulating the production of marijuana, as we do alcohol, would allow Canada to implement safe manufacturing practices, control distribution and restrict access by age. Finally, it would allow for taxation to assist in the cost of controlling the substance and treating addictions." Oakville NDP candidate Che Marville "New Democrats have long said that no one should be going to jail or be stuck with a criminal record for possession of marijuana for personal use. We have pledged to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana immediately. When it comes to marijuana, we need an approach that focuses on health promotion, public education, and safety. It's been 40 years since the LeDain Commission looked into the non-medical use of drugs and successive Liberal and Conservative governments have done nothing to update the government's understanding of marijuana use in Canada today." Oakville Green Party candidate David Doel Doel is calling for the legalization of marijuana and the treatment of drug addiction as a health issue. "It doesn't make sense to continue treating marijuana as this serious drug when we all know drinking is worse and many other things that are legal are worse," said Doel. He said legalizing the drug would take funds and power away from criminals and place it in the hands of the government. Oakville North--Burlington riding Conservative candidate Effie Triantafilopoulos "Justin Trudeau has promised to change the law to allow the sale of marijuana in corner stores, making it more accessible to our children. Justin's pledge to legalize marijuana proves that the Liberal Party simply does not understand the needs and priorities of Canadian families. For the Conservative Party, keeping drugs away from our children isn't a point of debate. We do not support any efforts to make illegal drugs more accessible." Oakville North--Burlington Liberal candidate Pam Damoff "The Liberal Party supports the legalization of marijuana as a direct result of its commitment to protecting personal freedom and the vulnerable members of our society. I am in favour of allowing adults to make their own personal choices while at the same time working to protect our children. Legalization is the responsible thing to do, as it would regulate marijuana sales and ensure they are controlled see Where on p.10 7 | Thursday, October 8, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com T hanksgiving Turkey Special Thurs, Oct.8 - Mon. 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