Pubdate: Mon, 30 Dec 2002 Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Copyright: 2002 Winnipeg Free Press Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502 Author: Aldo Santin Bookmarks: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) http://www.mapinc.org/area/Manitoba KEEP POT USE A CRIME, POLL TOLD One-Quarter of Manitobans Still Undecided, Neutral on The Issue Ottawa's intention to decriminalize marijuana use isn't resonating with Manitobans. A Winnipeg Free Press/Probe Research Inc. survey has found that while 34 per cent of respondents agree it shouldn't be a criminal offence to possess and use a small amount of pot, 41 per cent of respondents oppose decriminalization. The survey also found that a large number of people -- 25 per cent -- are undecided or neutral on the subject. "The political debate may be polarized, but opinion is quite soft," said Lloyd Fridfinnson, Probe's director of research. Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said the Chretien government is likely to decriminalize the use of small amounts of marijuana before May. But Fridfinnson said federal politicians are way ahead of Manitobans on this issue. The telephone survey of 1,002 adults was conducted by Probe Research from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9. The margin of error is considered to be within plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20. The high number of undecided is probably an indication people just don't know what to make of the issue, he said. "In the absence of strong public consensus, it will be up to the leaders in the legislatures to make the decision," Fridfinnson said. "They can't look to the public to lead on this one." Respondents in the telephone survey were asked if they supported the following proposition: "It should not be a criminal offence for citizens to possess and use small amounts of marijuana." The poll found that 22 per cent of respondents "completely" agreed with the statement, while another 12 per cent said they "somewhat" agreed. But opposition to the move hit a chord with 28 per cent, who said they were completely opposed. Another 13 per cent said they were somewhat opposed to the move. Decriminalizing isn't the same as legalizing. Under decriminalization, it would still be illegal to possess or use marijuana, but the penalty would be lighter, likely a fine, and there would be no Criminal Code conviction. The debate in Ottawa appears to be centred on fixing the amount that would qualify for a fine: 30 grams or five grams. Thirty grams is equivalent to the old street measurement of one ounce; it makes about 40 joints (marijuana cigarettes); the street cost for 30 grams is about $450. A Senate committee report in September said marijuana use should be legalized for anyone over the age of 16, and suggested it be sold under controlled circumstances, such as in liquor or drug stores. A parliamentary committee report at the beginning of December favoured decriminalization at the 30-gram limit. The report wasn't unanimous, with dissenters splitting along party lines. The Liberals appear to be lining up in support of an amendment for a 30-gram limit. The Canadian Alliance says that's way too high, and they favour the five-gram limit, citing that's the model followed in The Netherlands. The federal NDP seems to be supporting the Senate committee -- legalizing possession and regulating its sale. In Manitoba, Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh said he's satisfied with the existing penalties, adding other issues have a higher priority than tinkering with marijuana possession laws. But Winnipeg Police Chief Jack Ewatski has made statements in the past that lean toward easing the penalties. While he has repeatedly refused to comment on the federal debate, Ewatski said earlier in the year that he favoured a drug enforcement campaign that recognizes most Canadians tolerate marijuana use. The survey found that support for decriminalization of marijuana is highest among tobacco smokers (43 per cent). People aged 18-34 (41 per cent) were more inclined to support decriminalization than people over 55 (26 per cent). And support was higher among men (38 per cent) than women (31 per cent). - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake