cannabisnews.com: Grits No Party Poopers





Grits No Party Poopers
Posted by FoM on March 20, 2000 at 17:13:52 PT
By Rachel Evans, Edmonton Sun
Source: Edmonton Sun
Federal wing backs decriminalization of marijuana in convention vote. The federal Liberal party dished out some potluck goodies at its biennial convention yesterday. And one former cop with 30 years of experience with the Edmonton Police Service liked what the Grits had on the menu - a resolution, which passed, supporting the decriminalization of marijuana possession. 
"I totally support it," said Chris Braiden, who retired from the city police in 1992 as a superintendent and is now a consultant. "I was a copper for 32 years. Never once was I in a fight where they were high on marijuana." He quoted a study that said cigarettes killed thousands of Canadians last year while no one was killed by marijuana. The Grits didn't go so far as to condone the sale of marijuana, defeating another resolution to legalize the drug so that selling it would be acceptable. Last August, the Canadian Association of Police Chiefs proposed ticketing people caught with pot instead of taking them to court. It was viewed as a more flexible approach to drug enforcement, which would ease pressure on the strained justice system. Federal Justice Minister Anne McLellan is to speak to that group in Ottawa today. A manager at True North Hemp Co. Ltd., 10760 82 Ave., is glad the idea of decriminalizing pot hasn't dried up but hopes the Liberals were serious about the proposal. "It's nice to see they're all talking about it and trying to raise awareness," said Benjamin Currie, 21. "I hope it's not an illusion or effort just to sedate people." Currie said marijuana should be legalized and regulated similar to alcohol. Decriminalization will mean pot smokers won't have to live in fear of being caught, he said, estimating 90% or more say it's medicinal, whether it's for relief from a serious disease or minor ailments. "It (shouldn't be) a crime to carry a bag of a plant in your pocket," said Currie, who finds marijuana relaxing. "Working here I see all classes of life come through here - suits and rags. Every one of them agree maybe it's not for everybody but it's a choice. Mostly it's human rights. If pot was legalized today, the whole world's not going to pick up a joint." Alberta's New Democrat interim leader Raj Pannu was pleased the Grits discussed the issue. "I think it's about time we did something about it," he said. "A lot of people use it for medical reasons. It's much less harmful than alcohol or cigarettes. It's a good idea." Mayor Bill Smith was also glad to see the feds making a move on the hot topic, though he wouldn't take a position. "Minister McLellan needs to look at this," he said. "I'd certainly encourage it." Published: Monday, March 20, 2000 Copyright © 2000, Canoe Limited Partnership. Related Article:Liberals Support Decriminalization of Marijuanahttp://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread5124.shtmlNewsHawk: Chris CampbellComments To Articles from CannabisNews By Chris Campbell:http://www.google.com/search?q=cannabisnews+chris+campbell
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Comment #2 posted by J. Bills on March 21, 2000 at 21:22:00 PT:
Yea Baby Yeah!!!
I AM an American and I love this  #*!. A six year Navy vet and a patriot, but when it comes to weed we have FLIPPED OUR GORDS!!! It is time to reject, OUTRIGHT the 1961 UN convention narcotics agreements! If CANADA decrims, then the US is sure to follow, because there are a LOT of freedom-loving in this country who wish that WE the Sheeple would wake up and END REEFER MADNESS!!! 
Pro MJ site
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Comment #1 posted by R.Earing on March 20, 2000 at 21:08:39 PT:
get a load of that?
Wow, I'm speechless!Who da thought that the liberals would do something like that? "Da Boss" is 66 years old.In yer face Amerikka!
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