cannabisnews.com: Provinces Cool To Federal Pot Plans Provinces Cool To Federal Pot Plans Posted by CN Staff on December 11, 2002 at 12:06:36 PT By David Sands, Edmonton Sun Source: Edmonton Sun Marijuana use remains a criminal-level concern in Alberta, says Justice Minister David Hancock in the wake of a federal Justice Department plan to decriminalize use. "Our position has been consistent. We don't see any rationale behind decriminalizing or legalizing," Hancock said. "The police have indicated - and I certainly believe them - that it's a starter drug and it's part of the organized crime scenario. By allowing it any more latitude in our community we're really feeding organized crime and the criminals who make a profit from it." Nor is legalization of the supply appropriate to tackle that problem, Hancock said. "People say it's no more harmful than alcohol or tobacco, but we see the effects of alcohol and tobacco on society and we constantly are trying to find ways to mitigate the disasters that come from those. So that's not a good reason to make it more available." Plans to decriminalize the use of marijuana also met with a decidedly frosty response from Ontario and other provincial governments yesterday. "I'm flabbergasted that the federal government has prioritized the decriminalization of marijuana at this time," said Ontario Attorney General David Young. "It is not a priority for this government." On Monday, federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said Ottawa wanted to move quickly on the issue and could bring in legislation early in the new year to decriminalize pot use. Police chiefs across the country have also advocated for decriminalization but Young, who admitted to "one youthful indiscretion" when it comes to pot, said officers on the beat aren't in favour. "I stand with organized, front-line police officers across this country who say that this is a serious problem, who say that revenues from marijuana go to organized crime to finance other criminal endeavours." But Ontario Health Minister Tony Clement jokingly suggested those on Parliament Hill behind the move might be getting surreptitiously stoned. "We'll check where that stash of medical marijuana went," Clement quipped. "As health minister, I'm against people polluting their bodies in whatever form that takes." Any bill would depend in part on a Commons committee that studied the use of non-medical drugs. The committee apparently plans to recommend tomorrow that possession of pot should remain illegal but punishment should become a fine rather than a criminal record. Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Author: David Sands, Edmonton SunPublished: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 Copyright: 2002 Canoe Limited PartnershipContact: sun.letters ccinet.ab.ca Website: http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtmlRelated Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmMany Other Countries Try Decriminalization http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14943.shtmlParliamentary Committee To Recommend Pot Lawhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14942.shtmlOntario Stone Cold To Ottawa's Pot Planshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14937.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #4 posted by ErikGhint on December 11, 2002 at 15:35:24 PT i agree I agree with delariand, we should continue giving money to organized crime. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by delariand on December 11, 2002 at 14:11:25 PT subject "The police have indicated - and I certainly believe them - that it's a starter drug and it's part of the organized crime scenario. By allowing it any more latitude in our community we're really feeding organized crime and the criminals who make a profit from it." Well, this is true. Decriminalizing posession without decriminalizing trafficking and sale won't put a dent in the criminal element currently running the supply side. If it were possible for honest, law abiding citizens to legally grow and distribute cannabis, you wouldn't be feeding organized crime, you'd be feeding the economy. But, of course, that just makes too much sense. Lets talk about it for another 10 years and keep giving our money to criminals, that's a much better idea. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on December 11, 2002 at 13:28:26 PT Media Advisory Attention News/Assignment Editors:MEDIA ADVISORY - House of Commons Special Committee on the Non-Medical use of DrugsOTTAWA, Dec. 11 /CNW/ - The House of Commons Special Committee on the Non-Medical use of Drugs will hold a press conference immediately following the tabling of Part II of its final report entitled Working Together to Redefine Canada's Drug Strategy. This portion deals with the Committee's observations and recommendations relating to the use and regulation of marijuana in Canada and fulfills the Committee's expanded mandate to examine the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as it relates to the criminal prosecution of cannabis offences.Date: Thursday, December 12th, 2002Time: 10:30 amStatements followed by Questions and AnswersParticipant: Paddy Torsney, MP for Burlington, Ontario - Committee ChairKevin Sorenson, MP for Crowfoot, AlbertaRéal Ménard, MP for Hochelaga - MaisonneveLibby Davies, MP for Vancouver EastLocation: The Charles Lynch Press Conference Room - 130S Centre Block OttawaCopies of the report will be available on site and at: http://www.parl.gc.caFor further information: Heidi Bonnell, 613-371-8838; Joy Jennissen, 613-293-2659http://www.newswire.ca/releases/December2002/11/c2511.html Canadian Links [ Post Comment ] Post Comment