Pubdate: Wed, 11 Jun 2003
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2003 The Sacramento Bee
Contact:  http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: Jay Bergstrom

O, CANNABIS

Re "Canada may decriminalize small-scale pot possession," May 28: It is 
most refreshing to see our neighbors to the north debating further steps 
toward ending cannabis prohibition.

Last September's report recommended the legalization of cannabis, 
dismissing decriminalization as a timid half-measure that will only 
strengthen the black market. Then, members of Parliament, worried about 
being called soft on drugs, promptly recommended decriminalization.

Canada's courts are removing stones from prohibition's foundation and are 
finding something called a Charter of Rights. Courts in three provinces 
hold that there exists no valid law against possession as drug war refugees 
from California make credible claims for political asylum in Canada. And 
Canada's Supreme Court has recently heard three full-strength cases and 
will render verdicts that affect this issue directly.

Meanwhile, Uncle Sam dictates "reefer madness" propaganda war on cannabis 
consumers globally, and threatens to back it up with an economic/trade war.

- - Jay Bergstrom, Sacramento
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom