Pubdate: Wed, 18 Apr 2012
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Richard Rolke

VILLAGE HESITANT ON LIFTING POT BAN

Lumby officials aren't making any rash decisions on decriminalizing marijuana.

Instead of urging senior government to regulate cannabis, council 
opted Monday to pursue more information before making a decision May 7.

"I want people to find out information from the other side," said 
Mayor Kevin Acton.

"When you have a delegation and hear from just one side, you wonder 
where the bad to all of this is."

On Monday, there was a presentation from Stop the Violence B.C., 
which wants marijuana regulated as a way of reducing crime and 
creating a new source of revenue for communities.

As part of its process, Lumby council will ask the RCMP for 
information on marijuana use and possible decriminalization.

"We want to make sure we're sending the right message," said Coun. 
Randal Ostafichuk.

"We're not saying using marijuana is OK but we're looking at the 
criminal ramifications and the implications for the police. The cost 
to the taxpayer to keep prohibition going is extreme and there's a 
danger to the public through grow-ops and hydro bypasses."

But even without extra research, some politicians are already taking a stand.

"It's time to look at the war on drugs as a complete failure and to 
find another way to deal with it," said Coun. Nick Hodge.

"It's time to take it out of the hands of criminals."

Acton also admits the laws may need to change.

"Look at cigarette smoking. It's tightly regulated and there are not 
as many people smoking as there were 20 years ago," he said.
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