cannabisnews.com: Pot Laws Could Be Eased, Cauchon Says 





Pot Laws Could Be Eased, Cauchon Says 
Posted by CN Staff on July 16, 2002 at 07:13:47 PT
By Brian Laghi
Source: Globe and Mail 
Ottawa — Ottawa will consider loosening up Canada's marijuana laws, possibly by decriminalizing simple possession of the drug. Justice Minister Martin Cauchon made the suggestion Monday while questioning the efficacy of current pot laws and whether they are applied equally across the country.He added, however, that the federal government would continue to make possession illegal, although it might be preferable to replace jail sentences and criminal records with fines.
"We're not talking about making it legal, we're talking about the possibility of moving ahead with what we call decriminalization," Mr. Cauchon said Monday. "The question we have to ask is if the system we have in place is efficient. We want to make sure it will still be illegal. But do we have to keep it criminal?"He added that he will wait for two separate reports from parliamentary committees on the issue of drugs before moving forward. One of the committees, a senate committee, has already issued a preliminary report that says there is no scientific evidence that cannabis leads users to harder narcotics.Last week, Britain decided to relax its possession laws. Starting next summer, police there will no longer have the automatic power to arrest a person found with small quantities of marijuana. They will have the right to confiscate the drug, but can only arrest someone when their use threatens public order or children. Traffickers would still be liable for sentences of up to 14 years.Monday, Mr. Cauchon referred to the British decision."There are some countries that have decided to move ahead because if you look at the system that we have in place, keeping it criminal, it's not very efficient," he said. "Maybe we can find a way to keep it illegal and be more constructive, more effective, more efficient as well."Because possession is still considered criminal, very often jurisdictions do not apply the law, he said. He added that it was a bit too early to begin gauging cabinet support for the idea. Canadian Alliance MP Randy White said Mr. Cauchon acted irresponsibly by making his remarks before the release of the parliamentary reports."This is a substantial comment that he's made," said Mr. White, who sits on a House of Commons committee examining the issue."If that's how they run the country, by jumping into things without even knowing what they're talking about, then heaven help us."Mr. Cauchon said the government might also look at programs to help people who "are using such a substance." The government will launch a consultation with Canadians before moving forward.Just a year ago, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien ruled out decriminalization. However, the Senate report issued two months ago found that most recreational users smoke marijuana irregularly, with 10 per cent becoming chronic users. Alan Young, a civil rights lawyer and champion of decriminalization, said Monday that it is unclear what Mr. Cauchon is proposing. Most of those convicted of possession do not go to jail currently, and what the government needs to do is ensure those caught with the drug do not receive a criminal record. The real problem for most offenders is the employment difficulties and travel restrictions that a conviction imposes upon them, he said. "I've heard these things too many times before," he said. "It's a small step forward but it doesn't really address the problem."Any move to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana is likely to be unpopular with the United States because of its relatively open border with Canada, and could lead to trade difficulties.Canada is already portrayed in the U.S. media as the source of a great deal of the pot — particularly the potent B.C. bud — available south of the border. When Ottawa began allowing marijuana to be used for medical reasons, U.S. newspapers reported it as a sign of a soft stand on drugs. Although the numbers are not supported, the United States media has suggested that as much as half of the pot grown in Canada goes south. From Tuesday's Globe and MailSource: Globe and Mail (Canada)Author: Brian LaghiPublished: Tuesday, July 16, 2002 Copyright: 2002 The Globe and Mail CompanyContact: letters globeandmail.caWebsite: http://www.globeandmail.ca/Related Articles & Web Site:Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmOttawa May Ease Laws on Marijuana Possession http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13426.shtmlCanada Considers Easing Marijuana Laws http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13424.shtmlMarijuana Party Denounces Cauchon's Idea http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13403.shtml
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Comment #2 posted by goneposthole on July 16, 2002 at 07:51:55 PT
Pot laws could be e(r)ased
would be better.It is gonna be more than 'one toke over the line'.
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Comment #1 posted by Windminstrel on July 16, 2002 at 07:25:31 PT
Hurry Up, Canada!
You guys need to show some leadership to the Sunday-school teachers running the US. Hurry up, damnit!
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