cannabisnews.com: A Full and Open Debate





A Full and Open Debate
Posted by CN Staff on August 20, 2002 at 07:35:14 PT
Editorial
Source: Ottawa Citizen 
Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon is no fool, and judging by his willingness to mention the dreaded word "marijuana" -- and even admit that he inhaled -- he may have guts, too. Mr. Cauchon's decision to raise the issue of marijuana reform last month certainly took integrity, as pot promises to be more of a political headache than a vote-winner. But his decision to focus the discussion solely on what's known as "decriminalization," in which the criminal penalty for marijuana possession is replaced by something like a speeding ticket, hints at bad judgment or even a little cowardice.
Those hints grew with his speech to the Canadian Bar Association last week. Mr. Cauchon said we have to question why we devote so many of our legal resources to the prosecution of cannabis offences and whether these prosecutions improve the safety of our communities. Those are exactly the right questions to ask, and although the minister didn't answer them, we know, as he must, that any look at the evidence will reveal marijuana enforcement to be a spectacular waste of time and money.But then he followed his wise query with a plea not to be misunderstood. "Canada has no plans to legalize marijuana," he said. "I believe endorsing marijuana use might inflict harm on society and lead to greater problems." He then went on to call for an "open discussion" about modernizing the criminal justice system's approach to illegal drugs, stressing that Canada's policy would continue to address both supply and demand.So the minister wants an "open discussion," as long as it doesn't include talk about any form of legalization. It seems Mr. Cauchon is emulating Henry Ford by offering his customers a car in any colour as long as it's black.Mr. Cauchon's dismissal of legalization is illogical. It also fails to explain his belief that simply by ceasing to punish marijuana users, the government would be endorsing marijuana use. Did the government "endorse" suicide when it removed it from the Criminal Code? Is it endorsing adultery by not punishing cheating spouses? Such unreflective moralizing might be expected from some opposition MPs, but it's depressing to hear it from the new minister of justice.Mr. Cauchon's argument is also empirically false. Although he doesn't specify the alleged harms of legalization, it's safe to assume he means it will automatically prompt much greater use of the drug.Note: Any review of marijuana laws must consider legalization.Snipped: Complete Article: http://www.canada.com/search/site/story.asp?id=2072F6E1-460E-4E80-8514-56C3D554E4F9Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)Published: Tuesday, August 20, 2002Copyright: 2002 The Ottawa CitizenContact: letters thecitizen.southam.caWebsite: http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/Related Articles:Justice Minister Nixes Legalizing Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13735.shtmlNo Plans for Legal Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13731.shtml
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Comment #1 posted by The GCW on August 20, 2002 at 08:14:46 PT
A must read.
It would do well to include some of Christ Bennett's insights in order to understand implications beyond the normal scope of things. This is one of His latests, and it is worthy.Pot and prophecy 
http://www.hempbc.com/articles/2405.html
 
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