Two Questions: Since cannabis is a psychotrophic substance and users experience a drop in IQ of 6 to 8 points, are any of our elected representatives cannabis users and how long have they been using? - Pastor Max Solbrekken

WHY DO WE CARE?

I have heard some people say that "legal pot" is a "done deal" and that there's no point in arguing the fact. I have even heard some otherwise conservative folks say that people should be free to choose pot if they wish.

The problem is twofold.

For one, cannabis is a psychotropic substance. It actually alters your thinking and your brain chemistry. Users experience a drop in IQ of 6 to 8 points. For youth up to age 25, it has been proven to cause brain damage. It impairs people's ability to drive, to complete complex tasks, or to operate machinery. Plus, it is addictive and can lead to harder drug use for avid users.

Do we really want to unleash this new vice on our youth and communities? Do we really want to make it legally available, accessible, and "normal"?

Secondly, Canada is a part of a far bigger, wide-reaching global strategy to combat illicit drugs. Since signing the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in 1961, along with its associated pacts in 1972 and 1988, Canada has made a long-term commitment to fight drugs (including cannabis) through criminal sanctions, fines, and restrictions. We have agreed that the production, sale, and distribution of non-medical marijuana will be kept illegal, with strict penalties for violators. As recently as 2016, Canada re-affirmed its commitment to the Single Convention. In fact, just last month, Canada signed a non-binding agreement to again affirm its previous anti-drug commitments. (See CBC report.) Do we really want to throw out our long-term strategy and be a turncoat to our international partners? Wouldn't it be better to work with our treaty partners to draft a new strategy - if such a strategy is truly warranted?

This is why we care.

We care about our youth. We care about our communities. We care about our country and its reputation on the world scene. We believe God has given us this burden.

We think it is both irresponsible and reprehensible what Mr. Trudeau has done by speedily pushing through the Cannabis Act (C-45) - especially with so many concerns expressed by such a diversity of Canadians - MPs, Senators, healthcare professionals, community groups and associations, native groups, etc. 
 -- David Cooke and the Entire CitizenGO Team