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 Schmitt also said that the laws regulating the possession of marijuana are outdated - they were implemented early last century.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. - --- MAP posted-by: Alex