Pubdate: Thu, 05 Jun 2003
Source: Bracebridge Examiner (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 The Bracebridge Examiner Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.bracebridgeexaminer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2354
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hr.htm (Harm Reduction)

HARM REDUCTION

Over the past seven days, there have been hundreds of articles, columns and 
editorials written across the country about the merits and shortcomings of 
the plans to change the federal marijuana laws, most focusing on the harm 
that pot possession laws, or the lack of them, cause.

Some argue that criminal records that are currently affixed to minor 
possession convictions cause more harm than good, while others contend that 
the yet unproven, but possible detrimental health effects of smoking the 
drug are where the real harm lies.

However, as with most new legislation proposals, the real debate becomes 
one of economics.

Critics of Canada's current marijuana possession legislation argue that the 
20,000 to 30,000 annual convictions for possession of tiny amounts of pot 
in Canada are an enormous waste of police and court resources, costing 
Canadian taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. On the other side of 
the debate exists the argument that the possible health effects of 
widespread marijuana use could have vast economic implications for our 
health care system in the future.

Both arguments, of course, are correct. The police pay undue attention to 
the easy mark of the recreational pot smoker, and allowing people to put 
even more tar and toxins into their lungs can only increase the demand on 
health care.

This is why the current proposed legislation makes so much sense.

The bill before the House of Commons seeks to reduce the fiscal harm caused 
by countless minor possession convictions, while increasing education about 
the possible harm of the drug, and increasing penalties for large-scale 
trafficking and possession. At once, the government is addressing the 
current squandering of judicial resources and preparing for the future by 
making the message clear that widespread marijuana use will not benefit the 
country.

The proposed legislation, if passed, will be a good first step to a more 
pragmatic and cost-effective drug policy in Canada. And while the change is 
by no means inventive or innovative, it is a sign that our government is 
finally waking up to the realities of a stalemated war on drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager