cannabisnews.com: Marijuana Use May Rise If Liberals Decriminalize 





Marijuana Use May Rise If Liberals Decriminalize 
Posted by CN Staff on May 14, 2003 at 16:19:43 PT
By Jim Brown, Canadian Press
Source: Canadian Press 
Ottawa -- Canada must be prepared for a potential increase in marijuana use, at least in the short run, if simple possession of pot is decriminalized, Health Minister Anne McLellan warned Wednesday. McLellan made the comment as Justice Minister Martin Cauchon announced he will introduce a bill the last week of May to reform marijuana laws and decriminalize possession of small amounts of the drug.
Reports from U.S. states that have dropped criminal sanctions indicate there is a spike in use immediately after the law is changed, McLellan said as she left a Liberal caucus meeting. She added that use levels eventually drop back to normal but said it's important to be prepared. "Certainly one has to be ready to deal with that spike," she said. "It can lead to addiction, it can lead to all sorts of situations within local communities. You need to be ready with information, with education, and with treatment." But McLellan's contention was immediately questioned by Cauchon, who expressed doubt that putting an end to criminal sentences for simple possession would boost marijuana use. "I don't believe that," said Cauchon, noting that an estimated 100,000 Canadians already use pot. Given that fact, he said, the government has to find a better legal framework to deal with the problem. Cauchon's announcement that he will press ahead with the pot bill came a day after he travelled to Washington to brief U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft on the government's plan to eliminate jail terms and criminal records for people convicted of possession of small amounts of pot. Under the new regime they would receive fines, and the offence would be treated in much the same manner as a traffic violation. However, the bill will also boost penalties for growers and traffickers. The government is also expected to announce new spending on drug prevention, education and treatment, all aimed at discouraging use, especially by young people. Cauchon described his meeting with Ashcroft as "very cordial" but would not say how his U.S. counterpart reacted. Nor would he speculate on whether the concerns of the Bush administration about decriminalization have been fully laid to rest. He bristled at suggestions that the purpose of his trip was to seek permission from Washington before going ahead. "As minister of justice I will do what I think is good for the Canadian population," said Cauchon. "I believe the policy we will table will be good for Canada." Government insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Cauchon made a number of points in his meeting with Ashcroft, among them that decriminalization does not mean outright legalization. Cauchon also assured Ashcroft of continued Canadian co-operation in fighting the cross-border drug trade and organized crime. But Liberal strategists were adamant that he outlined his plans merely as a courtesy, and was seeking neither U.S. approval nor suggestions on how to shape the Canadian legislation. Cauchon told reporters that holding off on his bill for another two weeks will enable Ottawa to put together a broader package that will include increased spending on drug research, education and treatment. McLellan, who is co-ordinating the wider strategy, said details of the funding are still being ironed out. But she indicated part of the new cash will go to the Solicitor General's Department to beef up police efforts against domestic growers of marijuana. Liberal backbenchers were divided in their views. MP Gary Pilletteri said he can't bring himself to support decriminalization. Fellow backbencher Joe Fontana said he doesn't think young people should be saddled with criminal records for simple possession, but he reserved judgment until he sees details of the bill. Meanwhile, one ordinary Canadian took matters into his own hands. John Turmel, a self-described professional gambler and perennial fringe candidate who has run 54 unsuccessful campaigns for political office, showed up on Parliament Hill to light up a joint. He then tried to take a duffle bag - which he said contained seven pounds of marijuana - into the Parliament Buildings, saying he wanted to deliver some to Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Turmel was arrested by the RCMP and charged with possession for purposes of trafficking. He said he will fight the case in court. Complete Title: Marijuana Use May Rise If Liberals Decriminalize Pot, Health Minister WarnsSource: Canadian Press Author: Jim Brown, Canadian PressPublished: Wednesday, May 14, 2003Copyright: 2003 The Canadian PressRelated Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmNew Pot Law To Be Delayed http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16292.shtmlCanada Needs Comprehensive Drug Strategyhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16289.shtmlMcLellan Worries About Spike in Pot Use http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16290.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #5 posted by Kegan on May 15, 2003 at 04:37:00 PT
Turmel
Turmel...... Nice going asshole. You just handed 7 pounds of good meds to the enemy. I'll try not to die to fast.It seems Turmel is more interested in being famous than changing things. I like his no-stunt-too-small attitude, but I question his motives.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by afterburner on May 14, 2003 at 18:39:02 PT:
Good Work, John Turmel, Another Court Challenge.
It seems to be the only thing Canadians can really count on. Yet, after listening to the Canadian Supreme Court Challenges, there is some unsavoury nonsense being accepted as fact by some of the Justices, which does not augur well for true cannabis liberalization. I hope they were just playing devil's advocate.ego transcendence follows ego destruction, case by case, ruling by ruling, until eventually there is no problem!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by mayan on May 14, 2003 at 17:43:47 PT
Better Off Now...
Let's face it, the Canadians will implement a system of decrim when & how the U.S. wants it. The Canadian people are probably better off right now than they will be after this goes through. Ashcroft knows this. The Canadian courts are still the best hope.TAKE ACTION! Support the "Truth in Trials" Act:
http://www.stopthedrugwar.org/truthintrials/ The way out is the way in...Graham Alleges a 9/11 'Coverup':
http://www.latimes.com/la-na-graham12may12,0,100697.storyDocuments From Congress' Joint Inquiry into 9/11:
http://www.thememoryhole.org/911/hearings/Green light for 9/11 film:
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/05/13/1052591770121.htmlForeknowledge of 9/11:
http://globalresearch.ca/articles/CRG204A.htmlMOHAMED ATTA WORKED FOR ELITE U.S.-GERMAN GOVERNMENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/archive/scoop/stories/bf/c5/200305141003.8939a0bc.html9/11 Film Draws Overflow Crowd:
http://onlinejournal.com/Media/050703Lynn/050703lynn.html9/11 Prior Knowledge/Government Involvement Archive:
http://www.propagandamatrix.com/archiveprior_knowledge
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #2 posted by delariand on May 14, 2003 at 16:31:53 PT
Still not enough
Cauchon is still talking about a legal framework to deal with the 'problem' of cannabis usage. What makes cannabis usage such a problem that they couldn't base their framework off alcohol or tobacco? Why pretend to tolerate use while cracking down harder on production? Why not just let the people have their pot?I know it's not that easy, but that's how it should be.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #1 posted by FoM on May 14, 2003 at 16:21:05 PT
Now What?
Now what does this mean? 
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment