Pubdate: Sun, 05 Jan 2003
Source: Quesnel Cariboo Observer (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Quesnel Cariboo Observer
Contact:  http://www.quesnelobserver.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1260
Author: Markus Ermisch

POT DECRIMINALIZATION GARNERS SUPPORT IN B.C.

Marijuana is estimated to generate $6 billion per year in British Columbia, 
thus making it the province's second-largest industry. Not surprisingly, 
support for decriminalizing possession of the drug is highest on Canada's 
West Coast.

Fifty-six per cent of British Columbians are in favour of decriminalizing 
marijuana, according to a poll conducted by the Strategic Counsel, a 
Toronto-based polling firm.

Saskatchewan and the Atlantic provinces had the lowest numbers of support, 
with 46 per cent in favour of decriminalization. Nationwide, 50 per cent of 
those surveyed stated that they were in favour of decriminalizing 
possession of marijuana.

Lawyer Patricia Schmit of Chudiak Schmit and Co., and head of Quesnel's Bar 
Association, said it is "ridiculous" to treat the possession of marijuana 
as a criminal offence. She also said that she would even be in favour of 
legalizing the drug.

Charging otherwise law abiding citizens with a criminal offence is 
senseless, Schmitt said, adding that the legal costs involved are 
disproportionally higher than the benefit to society. She also said that 
cases involving marijuana are "a very minor problem in Quesnel."

Nationawide, however, it is estimated that approximately 600,000 Canadians 
have a criminal record for possession of marijuana. Schmitt also said that 
the laws regulating the possession of marijuana are outdated - they were 
implemented early last century. In fact, marijuana was first banned in 
Canada in 1923 under the Opium and Drug Act. Since 1997 marijuana and other 
illicit drugs are covered by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. It is 
this act an increasing number of people want changed or scrapped altogether.

Whereas Canada's drug laws are a relic from the 1920's, the country has 
made progress in a related field.

Ontario's Court of Appeal ruled in August 2000 that banning marijuana for 
medicinal purposes violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 
Consequently Canada became the first country in July 2001 to adopt a system 
regulating the medicinal use of the drug - the Marijuana Medical Access 
Regulations.

Now the laws regulating marijuana are under review again.

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon is currently reviewing the simple 
possession of marijuana, which he would like to see removed from the 
Criminal Code.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien, however, is skeptical and still unsure if 
decriminalizing the drug would be a wise move.

Also, the United States is vehemtly opposed to decriminalization north of 
the border. Given the recent tensions between the two countries, the 
Canadian government cannot dismiss American criticism lightheartedly.

The Strategic Counsel poll was conducted in the first half of November last 
year. A total of 1,400 adult Canadians were surveyed, and the results are 
considered accurate to plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, or 19 times out 
of 20.
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