Pubdate: Tue, 22 May 2001 Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Copyright: 2001, Canoe Limited Partnership. Contact: http://www.canoe.ca/EdmontonSun/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135 Author: Rachel Evans Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana) HIGH ON POSSIBLE WEED LAW CHANGES Chances are the server at your local coffee shop isn't going to be asking you, "Would you like a joint with that?" the next time you order a latte. But it could happen, someday. Word that Justice Minister Anne McLellan favours a national debate on decriminalizing marijuana possession had a manager at a local hemp store speculating recently that Edmonton liquor stores and coffee shops could someday be selling the stuff. Not a bad idea, said a server at an Old Strathcona coffee shop yesterday. "I think that would be fine. It's a very relaxed atmosphere," she said, asking not to be identified. She likes to partake of the weed herself now and again - although not on the job. Jordan of Eastgate Liquor Store said he thinks branching out into the ganja market might alienate the shop's older clientele. "More than likely they'd have to open up separate shops (to sell marijuana)," he said. "I'm pro-legalization. It's just safer. You don't have to worry about people getting bad stuff. "(It would be) the same (message) as a liquor store: Don't smoke and drive." Benjamin Currie of True North Hemp Company on Whyte Avenue, who mused recently about the possibility of grass going retail in Canada, said he's not holding his breath until the stuff comes out from under the Criminal Code. But he's hopeful. "If it ever did (get legalized) I think conceivably in a few years we would be able to get a licence," he said. "And in a perfect society we'd have the right to grow it and use it as medicine, which should be our right." - --- MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe