Pubdate: Sun, 05 Oct 2003
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Melissa Ridgen
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Jean+Chretien (Jean Chretien)

COPS FUME OVER POT REMARK

Local Police Association President Calls Prime Minister's 'Joke' A Slap In 
The Face

Prime Minister Jean Chretien might think he's funny making jokes about 
trying pot when he retires, but cops aren't laughing.

Calgary Police Association president Al Koenig called Chretien's recent 
remarks "a slap in the face to law enforcement" because marijuana use 
remains a criminal offence.

"For the prime minister, the leader of our country, to show such a lack of 
knowledge and high degree of insensitivity towards victims of crime is very 
disappointing," Koenig said.

He said marijuana is big business for organized crime, and those involved 
in the drug trade are usually involved in other illegal activities, from 
property crimes to violent offences.

"We see the devastating effects of the drug trade," Koenig said. "It just 
goes to show how out of touch some politicians are."

Staff Sgt. Trevor Daroux, head of the Calgary Police Service's drug unit, 
said Chretien's comments send the wrong message.

"It's important we convey a clear and constant message that illicit drugs 
are harmful -- especially to our youth," he said.

During a recent interview, the soon-to-retire PM quipped, "perhaps I will 
try (marijuana) when it will no longer be criminal.

"I will have my money for my fine and a joint in the other hand."

Richard Garlick, spokesman for the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, 
shrugged it off.

"It was an off-hand comment," Garlick said.

"What's more important is what his government has done in terms of effort 
to dissuade kids from starting to smoke (marijuana) ... I think the efforts 
his government has made in funding prevention, education and treatment 
speaks a lot louder than some off-hand comment."

It's doubtful kids will start toking because of the statement, he said, and 
he doubts decriminalizing pot will increase use.

"Young people don't make decisions about cannabis use based on the law," 
Garlick said.

"It has really become normalized in youth population -- it's not looked 
down on."

He said police will likely punish more pot users if the drug is 
decriminalized, because it means simply writing a ticket as opposed to the 
paperwork involved with laying criminal charges for simple possession.

Chretien is trying to pass his government's marijuana bill this fall in 
what is expected to be his last parliamentary session.

He said replacing criminal sentences with simple fines is a more realistic 
punishment.

"The decriminalization of marijuana is making normal what is the practice," 
Chretien said. 
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