Pubdate: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 Source: Williams Lake Tribune, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 Williams Lake Tribune Contact: http://www.wltribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1226 Author: Janine Trotta Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) DECRIMINALIZING MARIJUANA The move to pass a bill that will decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana is currently in deliberation, and Prime Minister Jean Chretien wants a decision before the parliament rises for the summer, said MP Philip Mayfield. Mayfield says the legislation schedule goes up to June 20, but nobody knows for sure the decision will be concrete at this time. "I have a little difficulty understanding why we are trying to open up the ability for people to smoke marijuana freely when we are trying to encourage people to quit smoking," Mayfield said, noting all the tars and chemicals present in both cigarettes and pot. "We are really encouraging people to harm themselves." Mayfield said during his time working in a young offenders unit, he observed marijuana to be the first step on a path leading to serious drug use. "We were convinced then that marijuana was the gateway to further experimentation and use of drugs, and I'm still convinced of that," he said. "Because it's readily available, and it's so much more potent now." Mayfield said though he has no firsthand experience with the product, "I understand that B.C. bud is very potent." The MP said the debate over decriminalization brings about an interesting paradox within legislature. While possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana, or one gram of resin (hashish), would be penalized only by a ticket, punishment for growing and selling would become stiffer, Mayfield said. According to the CBC Web site, the new Contraventions Act would slap a $1,000 fine or even six months in prison for a summary conviction of holding over 15 grams. The officer would have the choice, however, to just dole out a ticket . Being caught with 15 grams will potentially cost an adult $150 and a youth $100. For resin the ticket is more expensive. It is slated to be $300 for an adult and $200 for youth. Parents or guardians of a fined junior would be notified. "It's legal to have it, but not to grow it or sell it," Mayfield said of the likely to be passed law. "It's a confusing message that the government is giving Canadians." The Canadian Medical Association has estimated that 1.5 million Canadians smoke pot recreationally, and that approximately 600,000 Canadians have criminal records for possession of marijuana. Cannabis has become a popular means of pain relief for those suffering from severe illnesses such as muscular sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and cancer. Pot can inspire an appetite in those that have lost one through chemotherapy or other harsh medications. Cannabis has been banned as an illegal substance since 1923, in the Opium and Drug Act. The act states cannabis has been linked to respiratory damage and impairment of physical coordination, and thus should remain illegal. However, alcohol, not banned under any act, has been linked to liver damage and impairment of physical coordination as well. According to the B.C. Ministry of Education, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a "lifelong neurological disability." The first case of FAS diagnosed in Canada was determined in B.C. in the 1970s. There are no statistics for FAS in Canada, partly because it can be a hidden disease and because the amount of alcohol ingested during the pregnancy that will harmfully affect the fetus cannot be determined. It's different with everyone, and could only take one drink. FAS is classified as a chronic disability by Statistics Canada, yet no warning labels appear on bottles of beer, wine or spirits. Other countries have abolished marijuana possession as a crime without tumultuous results. In Spain, Italy, Portugal, Luxembourg and Belgium possession is not a crime. It has been decriminalized in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Denmark. South Australia has similar means of policing pot as the Canadian government is proposing, except there you can carry up to 100 grams with no charge, and they say they have found no difference in the amounts of people smoking. The U.K. is also proposing a similar act that is due to be passed in July of this year. Mayfield seemed to agree the numbers of pot smokers wouldn't change due to the proposed amendment. "People pay so little regard to the law as it is," he said. His issue is the hypocritical stance the government is taking. "I think the law itself should make sense, don't you?" he posed. "At least be consistent." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom