cannabisnews.com: Pot Legislation Gets Mixed Reviews 





Pot Legislation Gets Mixed Reviews 
Posted by CN Staff on May 27, 2003 at 18:20:36 PT
By CBC News Online Staff 
Source: CBC
Ottawa -- A U.S. drug policy director and the Canadian police did not welcome Tuesday's introduction of legislation which would decriminalize possession of marijuana in Canada. John Walters, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and David Griffin, the Canadian Police Association's executive director objected to the move for different reasons. 
Walters warned decriminalization would boost drug use and bring more marijuana into the United States. He also believes that passage of this legislation would create border problems between the two countries and indirectly hurt the movement of trade. "We intend to protect our citizens. We would have no choice," said Walters. Canada is a major source of marijuana for the U.S., with an estimated $2.5 billion worth smuggled in each year, Walters says. Griffin showed equal concern saying the legislation is a "hastily put-together package that is held together by Band-Aids and duct tape." His fear is that the policy sends the message to young people that it's not okay to drink and drive, but it is okay to "toke and drive." Griffin also complained that police are being given virtually no new money to deal with a proposed crackdown on marijuana grow operations. The Canadian Medical Association welcomed the government's drug strategy's commitment to prevention and treatment but warned more funding will be needed. The Canadian Bar Association congratulated Justice Minister Martin Cauchon for his "courage and leadership" and called decriminalization of minor possession a positive move. Big Picture: Marijuana: http://www.cbc.ca/news/indepth/marijuana/Audio - Video: http://www.cbc.ca/news/indepth/marijuana/audio_video.htmlCannabis Reform Bill: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/media/releases/2003/2003_34bk2.htm Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Published: Tuesday, May 27, 2003Copyright: 2003 CBCContact: letters cbc.ca Website: http://www.cbc.ca/Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmNew Pot Law Won't Cause Policing Changes http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16411.shtmlCanada Moves to Ease Marijuana Possession Law http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16407.shtml
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Comment #1 posted by Truth on May 28, 2003 at 08:41:56 PT
Walters
"We intend to protect our citizens. We would have no choice," by locking them up with hardened criminals?
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