cannabisnews.com: Going To Pot





Going To Pot
Posted by CN Staff on May 28, 2003 at 10:21:58 PT
By Kelly Pedro, Free Press Crime Reporter
Source: London Free Press 
The federal government's move to decriminalize simple pot possession is a "stunt" that will back up border crossings, an outspoken Liberal backbencher from Sarnia warns. "This law is emanating from nowhere other than in somebody's office in Justice Canada," said MP Roger Gallaway (L -- Sarnia-Lambton). He accused Justice Minister Martin Cauchon of trying to use the bill to make a name for himself. 
Legislation introduced yesterday by Cauchon would make possession of as much as 15 grams of pot -- enough to roll about 15 or 20 joints -- a minor offence punishable by a fine. Pot possession, even for personal use, would still be against the law. But the new bill would eliminate the threat of jail time and a criminal record for small-time users. Ottawa also promised a tougher line against marijuana growers and dealers. Though some hailed the changes, others insist Ottawa is moving too far, too fast. In London, police Chief Brian Collins said Ottawa is sending a mixed message if it decriminalizes pot possession, knowing the supply has to come from somewhere. If passed, Gallaway said the bill could hurt Canada-U.S. relations and snarl border traffic. U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci also warned of border slowdowns. Some U.S. states take a tough stand against pot possession. About 10,000 trucks a day cross the Blue Water Bridge between Sarnia and Port Huron, Mich., Gallaway said, noting lineups already have grown with the threat of SARS and mad cow disease. "This is another indication that this man (Cauchon) and this department do not think of the larger implications of this type of stunt." Under the new law, youths could face fines of as much as $250 for minor possession of pot, adults as much as $400. Penalties could be greater with "aggravating" factors, including possession while driving or at school. By contrast, the maximum sentence for illegal growers would double to 14 years. The penalty for trafficking would stay the same, with a maximum life sentence. As grownups bickered about the consequences of the proposed new law and whether it could boost pot use by young people, youths took it all in stride. "It probably will encourage it, but from what I've seen most people do it anyway," said James Copley, a 19-year-old Montreal college student. But Paul Whitehead, a professor of sociology at the University of Western Ontario, said it "isn't possible" to make pot more available or acceptable to adults without the same effect for children and adolescents. "The consequence will be that we will have more frequent use among children and adolescents and more kids getting into trouble as a result." On the other side of the fence are those who believe Canada's pot laws have never much discouraged pot use and aren't likely to have much effect when they're removed. Former Londoner Chris Clay, whose downtown Hemp Nation store became the centre of a legal offensive challenging Canada's pot laws, said the proposed bill is a step in the right direction. "Maybe society will see in a few years from now the sky hasn't fallen after we've decriminalized," he said. Clay sold marijuana seeds and seedlings to challenge pot laws. Police raided the store in 1995 and charged Clay with drug trafficking and possession the following year. He was convicted, fined $750 and put on probation. He appealed and awaits a Supreme Court of Canada ruling, expected this fall. Clay said the proposed bill doesn't go far enough and Ottawa should move to full legalization. But Collins said he hopes that never happens. "I think that would be contrary to the best interests of the community," he said. "There are serious issues attached to drug use in terms of young people and the damage it could cause." Cauchon and Health Minister Anne McLellan stressed decriminalization is not legalization. "I want to be clear from the beginning: we are not legalizing marijuana and have no plans to do so," Cauchon said after introducing the bill.  MARIJUANA BILL Highlights of the federal government's new marijuana bill and drug strategy. * Eliminates criminal penalties for possession of 15 grams of marijuana or less. * Fines of as much as $250 for youths and $400 for adult caught with as much as 15 grams of pot; tougher penalties if caught while driving or on school property. * Police have discretion to give a ticket or lay a criminal charge for possession of 15 to 30 grams of pot. * Boosts the maximum sentence for illegal growers to 14 years in prison from the current seven. * Retains the current maximum penalty of life imprisonment for trafficking. * Commitment of $245 million more over five yeras for law enforcement efforts and education, information, research and treatment progams aimed at curbing drug use, especially among youths. * Government must report to Parliament every two years on the drug strategy's direction and progress. Note: One area MP calls the legislation to decriminalize marijuana a publicity stunt.Source: London Free Press (CN ON)Author: Antonella Artuso, Free Press Queen's Park BureauPublished: Wednesday, May 28, 2003 Copyright: 2003 The London Free Press Contact: letters lfpress.comWebsite: http://www.fyilondon.com/londonfreepress/Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmCritics Denounce New Drug Policyhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16425.shtmlLegalize Pot, Says Mayor Campbellhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16423.shtmlA Realistic Revision of The Cannabis Lawhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16421.shtml 
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