Pubdate: Wed, 28 May 2003
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003, Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Matt Wood, Ottawa Sun
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

DRUG'S FANS, FOES UNITED IN OPPOSITION

Concerns about drug-impaired drivers, law enforcement and government 
policies surfaced yesterday after the tabling of proposed federal 
legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

"Our reaction was profound disappointment," said David Griffin, executive 
officer with the Canadian Police Association.

The association's concerns include impaired driving, grow operations, 
prevention campaigns and relations with the U.S.

Soft Sentences

Griffin said when he speaks to officers working on the front lines against 
drug trafficking and grow operations, they say soft jail sentences aren't 
doing the job.

Mike Foster, owner of Crosstown Traffic, a paraphernalia store that caters 
to the cannabis community, said he hopes the bill fails because while it 
acknowledges that many people smoke pot, it doesn't permit cultivation for 
personal use.

"I think it's a piece of garbage," he said, adding the issue will hinge on 
how police enforce it as well as how courts interpret it.

MADD Canada was also unhappy with the announcement, but for different 
reasons, demanding laws which allow police to deal with drug-impaired driving.

'Rampant' Use

"Drug use is rampant among youth," said Andrew Murie, MADD Canada's 
executive director. He said teens have gotten the message about drinking 
and driving, but they know police don't have the power to apprehend 
drug-impaired drivers.

"This is the worst government policy decision I've ever seen."

Rick Reimer, a marijuana decriminalization proponent, practised law until 
he was forced to retire due to illness. He has a medical exemption to use 
marijuana from Health Canada.

"I'm grateful for the recognition that marijuana ought not to be treated as 
such a problem, that decriminalization denotes a change in that 
philosophy," he said.

"But the way they're going about it is completely backwards. How can you 
increase demand by reducing penalties and then at the same time restrict 
the supply routes? It's so stupid."
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MAP posted-by: Jackl