Pubdate: Sat, 19 Dec 2015
Source: Recorder & Times, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 Recorder and Times
Contact: http://www.recorder.ca/letters
Website: http://www.recorder.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2216
Author: Michael Capon
Page: A6
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n703/a06.html

STATISTICAL INSIGNIFICANCE?

Re: Legalizing pot not high on list for our new PM, Dec. 16.

Michael Den Tandt reports that levels of marijuana-impaired driving 
have risen in Colorado since the legalization of the drug in 2013. 
According to Colorado statistics, the number of drivers involved in 
fatal collisions who test positive for marijuana has indeed 
increased, but that doesn't necessarily indicate impairment.

Unlike alcohol, traces of marijuana can remain in the body long after 
the impairment has worn off, even weeks or months. Also, after 
legalization, it is reasonable to expect that, in any sample group, 
more people will use the drug and therefore test positive.

The slight rise in Colorado traffic fatalities of eight per cent 
between 2010 and 2014 is not statistically significant, and is still 
down roughly 30 per cent from 2002. Studies have shown that states 
that have legalized marijuana have seen a decline in the rates of 
drunk driving and traffic fatalities, and a decrease in alcohol 
consumption, a far worse drug by any measure.

Michael Capon, Kingston
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