Pubdate: Tue, 25 Sep 2012
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Spencer Anderson

Cities POWERLESS ON POT POLICY

The decriminalization of marijuana is still a far-off goal for
municipal representatives who support the measure, delegates heard at
a panel debate at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities
convention in Victoria on Monday.

Former B.C. attorney general Geoff Plant, a member of the panel, said
that while some elected municipal officials have expressed a desire to
allow licensing and medical marijuana within their jurisdictions, any
such measures "are down the stream" because the federal government has
a policy of prohibition for the substance.

Plant said B.C. municipalities in favour of the measure need to
concentrate their "political capital" on the issue to make the feds
sit up and take notice; in other words, band together, apply pressure.

"The most interesting thing I suppose is that there is nothing we can
do until the feds act," said Nanaimo Coun. Diane Brennan, who attended
the UBCM conference and sat in for part of the marijuana debate.

"There isn't an awful lot we can do." The decriminalization of
marijuana can also be a thorny local issue, another factor that could
divide councillors and raise obstacles for those who support the policy.

"A great deal of our citizenship is opposed to decriminalization,"
said Nanaimo Coun. Diana Johnstone, also in Victoria to attend the
conference.

"At the end of the day we have to listen closely to what our
constituents are saying."

Coun. Fred Pattje said he disapproves of marijuana use, but he said he
also recognizes that the sale of illegal marijuana does contribute to
gang activities.

"I'm still listening and still on the fence," he said.

Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan has opposed decriminalization or marijuana
in the past.

He voted against a motion supported by 75 per cent of the 240
delegates at an Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal
Communities conference in April, which called on the federal
government to decriminalize marijuana.
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MAP posted-by: Matt