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. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth