Pubdate: Fri, 10 Jan 2003
Source: Canadian Champion, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd
Contact:  http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/mcc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1503
Author: Fannie Sunshine, Random Thoughts

WE MIGHT AS WELL JUST DECRIMINALIZE POT ALTOGETHER

The whole debate about whether or not marijuana should be decriminalized, 
or if possession charges should result in a fine instead of a criminal 
offence, has been -- no pun intended -- rolled into the spotlight now more 
than ever.

Up until recently, the marijuana laws were left untouched and appeared to 
be staying that way, much to the displeasure of decriminalization 
activists. But it seems Canada is starting to toy with the idea of relaxing 
the marijuana laws, although just how far they'll go is something we have 
to wait to see.

In my opinion, the only decision that makes any sense is to decriminalize 
the drug altogether. If those in power decide to change the marijuana laws 
to something other than complete decriminalization, I think we'd basically 
be back to square one.

The other recommendations make no sense. You can grow and possess 30 grams 
of pot or less at the risk of a fine, but trafficking would still be a 
criminal offence? So you can grow your own plants and smoke your own bud 
and receive a possible fine but try selling it and you wind up in jail? Am 
I the only one who sees something wrong with this picture?

A commons committee made the above mentioned recommendation last month and 
legislature on the matter could be introduced this year.

Halton Police Chief Ean Algar has said he supports possession of a small 
quantity of marijuana being treated as a non-criminal offence, but only for 
the first offence and at the officer's discretion. He, too, is way off the 
mark. This is basically saying, since it's your first time I'll let you 
off, but don't you do this again because you'll be going to jail.

Chief Algar has also said he's concerned that young people are getting the 
message that drugs are okay, which he said isn't the case. He said 
teenagers are confused and have asked Drug Abuse Resistance Education 
(D.A.R.E.) officers if drugs are good or bad.

I think we all know some drugs are more harmful than others. But alcohol 
and cigarettes can have fatal consequences and those products are readily 
available.

Doctors are now saying a glass of red wine a day is good for the heart. But 
nothing positive can be said about tobacco.

Marijuana does have negative side effects (short-term memory loss is the 
first thing to come to mind) but the good outweighs the bad. The drug is 
known to help individuals suffering from AIDS, multiple sclerosis, cancer, 
arthritis and glaucoma, plus numerous other conditions and diseases. It's 
also known to ease nausea and make you feel relaxed.

If marijuana is decriminalized, I would support some sort of punishment for 
driving while under the influence. After all, it does alter your mental 
state and some of us just can't function the same as a sober person while 
stoned.

The bottom line is, make a decision that's black or white, not gray.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart