Pubdate: Thu, 26 Feb 2004 Source: Meliorist, The (CN AB Edu) Copyright: 2004 The Meliorist. Contact: http://www.themeliorist.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2867 Author: Sean Patrick Sullivan, Atlantic Bureau (CUP) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) MARIJUANA BILL DRAWS CRITICISM Legislation to decriminalize marijuana possession was reintroduced into Parliament earlier this month, but both friends and foes of the drug are criticizing the bill. The legislation, first introduced in March of 2003, died when Parliament adjourned in November, and spent some time with a special committee before being brought back to the House. Since its last reading, the bill has been amended to reduce penalties and eliminate jail time for those caught with one to three marijuana plants. Robin Ellis is the proprietor of the Friendly Stranger and Cannabis Culture Shop, an activist organization dedicated to changing the laws surrounding cannabis use. He says they're a little frustrated. "Obviously the government's realizing that people want change, but I don't think they're clueing in at all to the magnitude of this issue and how seriously it needs to be addressed," he explained. "The bill really does little other than remove the criminal record for small-time possession. It doesn't resolve or rectify the situation in any way, shape, or form." Under the new bill, possession of 15 grams or less of pot would be a ticketing offence, carrying fines of $100 to $400. Possession of one to three plants would involve a fine of $500 for adults and $250 for people under 17 years old. Currently, the penalty is a maximum fine of $5,000 or a year in jail. The official opposition is critical as well, but for different reasons. "The issue of marijuana is much more complex than this legislation deals with," said Randy White, a Conservative MP who has been at the forefront over the legalization debate. "The decriminalization bill has some serious flaws in it," he said. "Either they don't understand or choose not to understand the consequences of what they're doing." Officials from the Justice Department have said the bill will prevent those caught with small amounts of the drug from ending up with a criminal record, something that can forever damage employment opportunities, among other things. Regardless, most are confident the bill won't pass. "There will probably be an election called, Parliament will be dissolved, and thus the cycle will begin again," said Lyle Kenny, an executive member with the Marijuana Party of Canada. The bill also increases charges for trafficking, as those caught with four to 25 plants could be faced with fines of up to $25,000, as well as up to five years in jail. Another amendment prohibits the sharing of information relating to marijuana prosecution with any foreign governments or agencies, including the United States. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom