Pubdate: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 Source: Globe and Mail (Canada) Copyright: 2003, The Globe and Mail Company Contact: http://www.globeandmail.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168 Author: Kim Lunman CAUCUS MEMBERS BREAK WITH LAYTON ON MARIJUANA POLICY OTTAWA -- NDP Leader Jack Layton's call for legalizing marijuana is not getting the support of all of his MPs. Earlier this month, Mr. Layton told the Vancouver-based Internet site Pot TV that marijuana is "a wonderful substance" that should be legalized and urged pot smokers to vote for the NDP in the federal election next spring. The New Democrats' current policy on marijuana laws endorses decriminalization, and some New Democrat MPs say it should stay that way. "My position is quite clear," said Nova Scotia MP Peter Stoffer. "I support decriminalization, not legalization." Manitoba MP Bev Desjarlais does not support Mr. Layton's call for legalization either: "I think there's a need to decriminalize at this point in time." But when asked about Mr. Layton's much-publicized appearance on Pot TV, she replied: "I have to admit I didn't watch Pot TV. I would have to hear what the party would have to say." The party's policy will be discussed at a caucus meeting in Ottawa next month. "I'll be urging that we move beyond decriminalization," Mr. Layton said in an interview. "We need to modernize our laws." No other leader of a major federal political party has come out in support of legalizing marijuana. Mr. Layton's comments are creating a buzz among members of the Marijuana Party. Dana Larsen, leader of British Columbia's Marijuana Party and editor of Cannabis Culture magazine, has resigned from his political post to seek the NDP nomination in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast. "They [the Alliance and the Tories] have the unite-the-right going," he said. "We have unite-the-left going." Marc Emery, the founder of Pot TV, is urging marijuana activists to join the NDP in the next election instead of the national Marijuana Party. The millionaire marijuana-seed grower has attached a link to the NDP's website on the Pot TV website and is airing a debate Saturday with Boris St-Maurice, leader of the federal Marijuana Party, on the issue. Mr. St-Maurice said he may consent not to run candidates in a few key ridings where a Marijuana Party member has won the nomination for the NDP, but he will not pull his national slate of candidates. The Marijuana Party didn't run a full slate of candidates in the 2000 federal election. It got only about one-half per cent of the vote. Mr. St-Maurice said he is reluctant to endorse the NDP because it has not been clear about its policy. "If we're going to support a party, I suppose the potheads should go to the Liberals," he said, referring to the government's recently introduced legislation to decriminalize possession of amounts of marijuana up to 15 grams. Tickets and fines would be issued, and offenders would not have criminal records. Mr. Layton has said he supports the findings of a Senate report last year that recommends marijuana be legalized and regulated like alcohol. The report called on Ottawa to relax cannabis laws and to redirect money spent prosecuting minor charges in order to fight drug trafficking and substance abuse. Vancouver MP Libby Davies said she supports legalizing marijuana but said the party's 14 MPs and Mr. Layton need to discuss the issue further. Lorne Nystrom, a Regina New Democratic MP, also supports legalization. "If it's legalized, it also has to be regulated," he said, adding: "I certainly don't advocate smoking marijuana." But Dick Proctor, another Saskatchewan MP from the party, said he is undecided. "I want to hear all of the arguments on both sides before I make up my mind." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens