Pubdate: Sun, 11 May 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: Bill Rodgers

POT SHOTS TAKEN AT GRIT STANCE

OTTAWA -- Two influential lobby groups say the Chretien government is 
putting the cart before the horse in its rush to decriminalize small 
amounts of pot for personal use.

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon is to introduce the legislation, along with 
a national drug strategy, as early as next Tuesday, a senior official has 
told Sun Media.

"We're very concerned that decriminalization will be perceived, especially 
by our young people, as legalization," said Andrew Murie, executive 
director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

"Even though that's not really what's happening, it's the public perception 
and yet Parliament hasn't dealt with the whole drugs and driving issue."

A recent survey of Ontario high school students by the Centre for Addiction 
and Mental Health showed that 20% of students drove a vehicle within two 
hours of using cannabis.

David Griffin, executive officer of the Canadian Police Association, said: 
"Kids are getting a message time and time again from our elected officials 
that smoking marijuana is not a big deal."

Griffin accused the Liberal government of changing the law before putting 
the proper tools in place.

Police can't demand the roadside test for marijuana use like they can 
demand the breathalyzer test for alcohol.

Any change would allow police to demand a saliva, urine or blood test.

"It's a very easy process for Parliament to put those things in (the 
criminal code).

"And we're very disturbed that there's all this talk about 
decriminalization but (the government) hasn't done the fundamentals yet, 
said Murie.
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MAP posted-by: Beth