cannabisnews.com: Decriminalizing Pot: Why Stop There? Decriminalizing Pot: Why Stop There? Posted by CN Staff on July 21, 2002 at 08:45:12 PT By Connie Woodcock -- Toronto Sun Source: Toronto Sun So Justice Minister Martin Cauchon admits he's smoked pot. And he didn't say he merely "tried" it once or that he didn't inhale, either. His exact words were: "I'm 39 years old. Yes, of course I tried it before, obviously." Obviously. He said it as if he meant most people in his age group will have smoked the stuff at one time or another. And, of course, it's true: I've smoked it; you've smoked it; cabinet ministers smoked it; anyone who grew up in the '60s or '70s smoked it. Whether we liked it or not is another question. But it would be easier to find middle-aged Canadians who haven't smoked it at least once. Some of us have even grown a bit of the stuff (although in my case, it was involuntary - marijuana, courtesy of a previous owner, competed with thistles for dominance in the barnyard of a small farm we once owned. When a five-foot plant grew up between the front tires of an old tractor, we finally recognized it and realized our farm literally had gone to pot. The horses, however, seemed to love it.) Some Canadians with serious illnesses are permitted to use marijuana as medication, although not without a great deal of difficulty purchasing it. And so what? Marijuana hasn't changed, but our attitudes toward it over the decades have certainly moderated. In the 1930s, it was considered evil, but now, it's just another means of relaxation along with beer, white wine and martinis. Some parents are even finding themselves in the awkward position of having to conceal marijuana use from their children, rather than let them see their role models breaking the law. Schools, of course, teach kids that marijuana is even more evil than cigarettes and the start of the slippery slope to drug addiction.So it was not exactly a shock to find out last week, after Britain announced it will decriminalize marijuana possession, that the minister responsible for law enforcement in Canada has broken the law and is thinking of changing it. Cauchon and Prime Minister Jean Chretien both hinted last week that the decriminalization of marijuana use could happen here in the near future, too, although only last year the PM said it wasn't on the government's agenda. Cauchon made it clear such action would have to wait for both Senate and House of Commons reports due later this year before any decision to yank simple possession of marijuana out of the Criminal Code and make it an offence punishable by a fine. There have been some signs the Commons committee is feeling positive about decriminalization. Even committee member Randy White, a Canadian Alliance MP who travelled to Amsterdam to observe a marijuana-tolerant society, said he visited a pot cafe and had a good time chatting with its clients. He didn't try it himself, but let's face it, a pot cafe is liable to have a real problem with second-hand smoke.After much hemming and hawing, this time the marijuana law appears to finally be on the government's agenda. Stumbling block There's only one big stumbling block - America and its never-ending war on drugs. They're mad at us already for allowing medicinal pot use and they'll be furious at decriminalization. "We have great respect for Canada and Britain as well, and if they start shifting policies with regards to marijuana it simply increases the rumblings in this country that we ought to re-examine our policy," said Drug Enforcement Administration head Asa Hutchinson last week. "It is a distraction from a firm policy on drug use." Only last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld marijuana as a dangerous drug with a high potential for abuse. The court ruled marijuana should remain classified as a Schedule 1 drug, the most restrictive classification under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. I hope we don't give in to the U.S. attitude, but if it were up to me, I'd go even further than our government apparently intends to. I'd do more than decriminalize the stuff. I'd make it legal to own and to grow. I'd tax the heck out of it and put it on the shelf at the LCBO next to the vodka. At a single stroke, you'd be doing away with a source of income for organized crime and creating a useful agricultural crop that heaven only knows is easy to cultivate in southern Ontario. You'd be able to tell police to stop wasting time and money flying around the countryside spotting pot crops in the midst of corn fields from a helicopter and go do some useful work - like putting patrol cars on the 401 in significant numbers, for example. You'd be freeing young Canadians from the possibility of obtaining a criminal record that will prevent them from leaving the country and could hang over their lives forever. There are a lot of issues that are way more important than marijuana in Canada today. But this is one issue we can do something about. Over the years, we've discussed it almost to death. It's time to stop talking about it and go ahead. Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)Author: Connie Woodcock -- Toronto SunPublished: July 21, 2002Copyright: 2002 Canoe Limited PartnershipContact: editor sunpub.comWebsite: http://www.fyitoronto.com/torsun.shtmlRelated Articles & Web Site:Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmCanada: There's a Funny Smell in the Airhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13490.shtmlLight Up, Inhale, Decriminalize http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13456.shtmlWould Softer Pot Law Stir Wrath of U.S.? http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13401.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #23 posted by FoM on July 22, 2002 at 08:13:26 PT lookinside That's a great name! I can't wait to tell my husband. Tell Jean my thoughts and prayers are with her. My husband calls his dad his best friend and it will be very hard for him. A vacation when that time comes will be almost necessary. Both my parents and son are gone but my husband hasn't lost either of his parents yet. His mom is in a nursing home and no longer can recognize anyone. The lifeline has been wonderful to have even though we get false alarms sometimes by accidentially setting it off. I'll tell you what happened a few weeks ago. My husband took his Dad out to a restaurant and I was here and happy that he felt well enought to go and life line called and said the alarm was activated. I knew they had gone away and tried to tell them but they asked me to check so I did. I couldn't figure out how to get in the house since he locked the door. They wouldn't believe me when I told them what must have happened. They called the sheriff then. They got home and the police were on the phone. My husband told the sheriff that he must have set it off accidentially and all was ok then. I was happy that life alert didn't believe me and wouldn't rest until the alarm was turned off. My father in law hasn't complained anymore about having life alert. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by lookinside on July 22, 2002 at 05:19:32 PT: This does my heart good... Hi all...I've been lurking, recently...I've been posting elsewhere on this subject, educating as best I can.Seeing this thread has done my heart good...A suggestion: "Martha's Triumph"FoM: Jean's dad is in a nursing home. He's declining rapidly. This is taking all her energy for the time being. She tries to come here to read daily though.You have our admiration.A week at Steve's B&B sounds like heaven, but BFE sounds even better! [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on July 21, 2002 at 23:16:49 PT herbdoc215 Let me talk to him when he gets home and I know he will really smile when he hears what you suggested. I'm glad you understand and I know Lucy is fortunate to have you. I know what you mean too. Two people that can walk together can accomplish more then one person because that's the way it is meant to be. People aren't meant to live an isolated life. I'm not saying it's wrong but it would seem empty to me. I'm hoping for a quiet night but am ready if I'm needed so I better get a little sleep. Thanks for such a nice conversation this evening. I really appreciate it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by herbdoc215 on July 21, 2002 at 23:04:41 PT FoM, Whenever your ready, let me know Glad to use whatever you like as it's your call? And no it's not corney because I feel the the same way about my Lucy Mae, whenever I can't go on anymore she gives me strength and over the years she has taught me to be a good person through her unwavering example of integrity and honesty. Throughout all of this ordeal my one worry has always been that this would spill over to touch her but so far I have kept the pigs so pissed off all they can see is me. When two people share a bond this close it completes the circle of yin/yang and only then do I believe that humans can fully experience the totality of the'human condition'. True heartfelt feelings are sadly missing from this PC world and are never corney. God bless you and yours,Peace, Steve Tuck [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by FoM on July 21, 2002 at 23:00:43 PT BGreen Can't wait to hear what you have to say when you can. Music soothes the savage beast. I just had the International Stock Market Report on and check this article out? I don't have money in the stock market but it still will be interesting to watch what happens this week. I'm going to get some rest. I can't find any more news so I'll try in the morning. WorldCom Files Record Bankruptcy Case By Christopher Stern and Carrie Johnson Washington Post Staff Writers Monday, July 22, 2002; Page A01 WorldCom Inc., the Mississippi phone company that exploded into a dominant player in telecommunications before being felled by an accounting scandal, filed last night for bankruptcy protection, the largest such filing in U.S. history. Complete Article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A41736-2002Jul21.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on July 21, 2002 at 21:55:18 PT herbdoc215 One thing I would like would be my husband to be honored by the name. He is on the road tonight and won't be home for a day or two but I have an idea. Without him I couldn't do what I do. He is my life and love and motivation. When I'm upset he comforts me. When I'm angry he listens. The desire I have to help bring change comes from him and his love for me. Does that seem too corny? It's how I feel. I need to ask him when he gets home though. By the way if ever I don't post any news it will be because of my father-in-law. I am ready to go to my father-in-law if the life alert goes off. I have my keys and phone numbers I'd need right by the front door but wouldn't have time to let anyone know why I would be gone. I wanted to mention that because that time is getting close. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by herbdoc215 on July 21, 2002 at 21:36:50 PT A new nation, under God with Liberty and Justice.. For ALL... It seems as if the Western States are marching to a different drummer these days than the rest of the country. Cannabis is only a bell-weather issue. Eventually the States of california, Oregon, and washington are going to grow weary of the bible-thumpers and closet racist of the south and east and create their own nation. When this nation is created it will be much more in line with the rest of the civilized world, ie. Canada, and Weatern EU, etc. and it will bring much of the talent and creative people of US with it, as we are only the tip of the iceburg that you can see, there is a mass exodus from US that has never been seen before to many places in the world, every city I have been to has a thriving expatriat community. BGreen- we each have a very important part to play and we cannot see enough of the picture at one time to every truly judge whose contribution is most important in the bigger scheme of things, we all have our crosses to bear in the heat of the day. Jah Bless you FoM, It can be like Jack Herer and be your name or a nickname, like Mr. Nice for Howard Marks... Whichever you like as it's your call as I would never want to make you uncomfortable or bring trouble, but it would be nice to honor you with something that will live on and remind future generations of your sacricices and contributions for all our freedoms. Somewhere within all these post are probably about a hundred books for students of freedom and oppression in the future, how a handful of believers changed the world in the face of terrible repression and this community here was our Massada. Peace, Steven Tuck [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by BGreen on July 21, 2002 at 21:30:23 PT I play and love all styles of music I have music available, but for right now, I must remain anonymous. I've performed and recorded with some big name artists, and count many famous people as my friends. This has been my career for 22 years, but it won't be worth anything if I'm locked up.Soon and very soon the truth will all come out, and boy, do I have some stories to tell. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on July 21, 2002 at 21:21:20 PT BGreen I wish I could hear some of your music. Do you put your music online? I don't know how things like that are done. The Moody Blues is my favorite group and I love Neil Young. I'm not really familiar with Jazz. Do you play in a band? What Jazz I've heard I thought it was good. Jazz was more in the big cities then in rural areas. I lived on a farm from the age of twelve through most of my life. I like some contemporary christian ( which I haven't heard in years but liked it none the same ) and new age like Enya. My husband and I were talking about getting the Easy Rider Soundtrack after we heard them play The Pusher the other day. I loved that movie. Just the sad end I didn't like but it still happens like that in some places after all these years. That's a down right pity.PS: I don't ride motorcycles though! LOL! Just horses or I did. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by BGreen on July 21, 2002 at 21:01:46 PT I'm just a musician There are so many real heroes we have to thank. I'm a lot of fun at parties, though. Nobody ever says "We're having a party, bring your calculator." "We're having a party, bring your band" is a lot more fun. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by FoM on July 21, 2002 at 20:50:29 PT herbdoc215 & BGreen I don't know what to say but you both have given me a great gift with your comments. It has made me very happy and when you can make a person happy that's the best gift in the whole world. I have been to many places and seen many things in the US but I've never been to Canada or to the great northern states. Years ago I said someday I want to see the trees in the north west and when that time comes we have a few friends that will want to come along with us. I know people marvel at man made buildings and go wow but I don't. I want to see those big big trees and look up at them and go WOW! I'll let you know about a name because I don't know how you do that kind of thing but I will think about it or you could decide because I just don't know.I am so glad you are standing with Marc Emery. I remember the Hemp BC Boards and I learned alot from them years ago. I wouldn't know how to act in Vancouver. I am so americanized I'd probably be as shocked as the lady was that was the host on the MTV special. It would be wonderful. All things in their time but if the lord is willin' and the creek don't rise that day will come. Thank You Both So Much. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by BGreen on July 21, 2002 at 20:18:28 PT I'm humbled, but Steven Tuck speaks the truth "I challenge the government peons to find me a better group of people among ANY grass-roots organization they have dealt with. The Lord will reward each of you more than anything that this life could possibly offer as in this journey we have all found out the path to truth and that was 90% of the battle, empathy and love has power beyond any weapon known to man."I agree with Steven about FoM! I can't wait to meet you in person. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by herbdoc215 on July 21, 2002 at 20:17:34 PT Marc Emery I have worked for many people in this business, in many places and I have yet to see anybody give even 10% of what Marc does for movement. I have lived here and worked with the fine crew at pot-tv.com for over one year now and Marc has consistantly shown me that it's not BS. EVERYDAY I watched him hand out EVERY penny that came in that day for various projects in the cause, he may live a nice lifestyle ( he deserves it I believe ) but I do know he isn't building up some big bank account off this as it really goes back in, I have seen the bills and they are out of this world. I have watched him give big amounts of money to people he didn't even get along with, he's gotten MANY activist out of jail as well as bad spots. I am not just saying this cause he went my bail either as others offered to but Marc had already beat them to it. Me and him do not always agree philosophically but he's always supported me in everything I did for movement when nobody else would. He gives allot to patients all over Canada in seeds and money and time, which i have never seen any other retail business give a penny. Just because many are jealous or don't like Marc's attitude doesn't give them any right to judge his heart or his deeds because I have seen where both are and have seen very few who could more than armchair quarterback about how much better they could do at this. If America had a Marc Emery, I wouldn't be here now wishing I could spend some time with my family... Peace, Steven Tuck in exile [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by herbdoc215 on July 21, 2002 at 19:57:07 PT There is a time to reap and a time to sow... FoM, I am deeply sorry to hear of your father-in-laws suffering, passing away maybe part of everyones life but terminal illness has a way of bringing so much pain to family members as well as the patient. It's so hard to sit and watch someone you care about wither away in pain and fear. It seems as if all we hear about these days on the news is bad, most every religion seems to have started it's doomsday watch all the while trying to put forward the brave face. With so many world changing events in motion there seems to be no floatsam to cling too. I also dream of a day when we no longer have to wear our masks the government insist we wear. The forcing of many of us to live underground has been the greatest mindset to overcome in this struggle, we have seen our situation as hopeless for so long that the average person seems to have boughten this myth of an omniprescent government. When this is all over- and someday it will be over as the world slowly appears to be coming to it's senses about the very classism/racism nature of the 'war on some drugs'. As in any conflict we have had many in this war who have shown great courage, and you putting this page out all this time behind enemy lines is as brave as anything I ever saw in military. Your down-home honesty and good sense has shown the world what a fine tribe of campaigners you have brought together here and this has shown enormous light onto their malicious myth's about our culture and morality. Our next strain that I think is world class in quality ( and I got just the one in mind ) will be named for you in your honor, just let me know whatever you would like as the name and it will be and we'll win the cannabis cup with it and immortalize you! As soon as things calm down here this year we need to see about putting a meeting together up here for all of us at C-news, would be a hell of a fun week. I'll ask Marc if maybe he could host/arrange it like we did with Kubby's medical conference last year, hell I am sure C-news readers have bought a couple seeds over the years, haha. I challenge the government peons to find me a better group of people among ANY grass-roots organization they have dealt with. The Lord will reward each of you more than anything that this life could possibly offer as in this journey we have all found out the path to truth and that was 90% of the battle, empathy and love has power beyond any weapon known to man. I agree with freedom fighter, the 13 operations sucked as much as the wheelchair but I would not change one thing as it made me so much better of a person plus I drink each day like a parched man. I also would not change ONE THING about those years in Humboldt running the clinic as no matter what it has costed me it has also bought my soul back for all the bad I did in Army when I was still brainwashed into believing we were the good guy's. Plus it showed me that no matter how bad I feel there are people in so much more pain than me, it has led me to declare war on pain. Peace, Steven Tuck in exile [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by BGreen on July 21, 2002 at 19:48:20 PT Marc did things most of us wouldn't have He risked his butt, and as such, charged a black market price for providing cannabis seeds to people. I didn't see many of his detractor's providing the same service.When prohibition ends, so will Marcs' ability to charge his prices. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on July 21, 2002 at 19:44:37 PT John I'm glad you agree with me about Marc Emery. I don't know him. I've never talked to him or had any dealings with him but his activism work shows. Just look at Cannabis Culture and Pot TV. He has a attitude I like. When he was on the MTV Show I realized he believes in what he does with a passion. Without him the reform movement wouldn't be where it is today. I now can watch Pot TV and have seen a few programs and they are very good now that I have a satellite. He's helped people who were in trouble. That means a lot. If a person is in a battle he is one that will do his best to help I believe. That's the kind of friend that everyone wants. Not just words but actions. This is all from quiet observation and mostly thru doing news. I'm glad you enjoy C News. That makes me happy and I'll do my best to make it a good site for everyone. I try and will keep trying. Thank you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by John Tyler on July 21, 2002 at 19:28:56 PT Mark Emery I agree with you FoM about Mark Emery. He has put his self and his fortune on the line for this cause. He has earned my gratitude for his work. So have you... You run this fine web site and keep people up to date on the latest news, and give people a chance to express themselves. It is like like a little community. Thanks. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on July 21, 2002 at 17:07:10 PT herbdoc215 I hope what I said made sense. I know you are from here but don't like to be so specific. I want you to be safe. So now and then I might not say it right. I want to see a day when being afraid to just say how you feel about issues won't be so scary. I hope you heard the radio program that was on the CBC radio today. You sure have smart people up there. You said you have a place in BFE. That was funny. I thought that's where I lived! LOL! Thank you for that most gracious invitation. Someday. My father in laws life line went off again last night about 4 am. Another night of panick but all is well for now. Taking care of our parents is very important and as long as is necessary we won't be able to go anywhere for more then a few hours at a time. Someday we will visit but that day can wait because I want to enjoy the time we have left with him and don't want to dream of the future too much. The future can wait for us. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on July 21, 2002 at 15:27:36 PT herbdoc215 Thank you Steve and I hope to be able to come up there someday and meet you and Lucy and all the activists from Canada and here that are now in Canada. I've been on line since the fall of 96 and have quietly read many different comments from many different sites. I've formed my opinions a long time ago about a lot of things. They are my views and I keep them to myself. I guess what I mean is I want to know who my friends are and will be in years to come when the laws are finally changed. I dream of a legal herb type coffee shop. I also dream of an old age retirement hippie home too! LOL! I like dreaming and hoping and praying now and then for these things to come to be but only in their time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by herbdoc215 on July 21, 2002 at 15:02:37 PT FoM, If you ever want to come up here you can... Stay with us anytime you want for as long as you want! I will personally arrange for you to meet anyone you like and spend time with all of the activist here, I know of a few who would love to meet you here! Soon me and Lucy will have a B&B open here soon in Vancouver but we still have a place in BFE(Bum Fuck Egypt) on Sunshine Coast to produce my meds if cities bother you. Hope to see you, Peace, Steven Tuck [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by VitaminT on July 21, 2002 at 09:44:15 PT Now this chick has Ovaries! Decrim. is a counterproductive half measure. We have to Legalize with absolutely NO AMBIGUITY!Marc Emery says it best! See JR Bob Dobbs' post! [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on July 21, 2002 at 09:41:00 PT Thanks JR I've wanted to say this for a long time but I try not to say certain things so no one gets up set with me but I must say this now. I have read people bashing Marc Emery for years and it has always upset me. He is a visionary and he has put his money where his mouth is. I admire him and hope someday if we ever get to go on a vacation to Vancouver that I will be able to shake his hand and say thank you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on July 21, 2002 at 09:18:09 PT One more time I posted this to the previous article too, but I think it's important enough to repeat. As Marc Emery said in the show linked to below, which I highly reccomend watching, decriminalization isn't going to mean cheaper bags of weed for you and me. Legalization, with the law permitting home-growing, will. Marc Emery: Our Five Conditions For Peace [ Post Comment ] Post Comment