Pubdate: Wed, 14 Nov 2012
Source: Guardian, The (CN PI)
Copyright: 2012 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated
Contact:  http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174
Author: Mitch MacDonald

TRUDEAU SUPPORTS MARIJUANA DECRIMINALIZATION

Federal Liberal Leadership Candidate Speaks About Drugs With Colonel 
Gray High School Students

The student didn't even have to finish his question for Justin 
Trudeau to know he was about to be asked about decriminalization of marijuana.

During a session Tuesday morning with Colonel Gray High School 
students in Charlottetown, the candidate for the federal Liberal 
Party leadership came out in support of decriminalizing marijuana and 
even discussed the possibility of legalization.

Trudeau's opinion on the touchy subject was the first thing the 
Papineau MP was asked during a question-and-answer session with 
English-speaking students at the school.

"What's your thoughts on de-," said the student, who paused when he 
appeared to forget the word.

"Decriminalization," said Trudeau, finishing the student's question 
for him. "Of marijuana," added the student.

The question sent a wave of laughter through the students.

However, from the look on many of their faces, few expected to 
receive the answer Trudeau was about to give.

"I think we have to recognize first and foremost that the war on 
drugs, as it exists right now, doesn't work," said Trudeau, adding 
that the current system puts criminal records on Canadians who 
consume the drug, while also allowing criminal organizations to 
profit from the prohibition.

"So I am a huge supporter of decriminalization."

However, Trudeau added that the next step to look at would be legalization.

This would take marijuana profits away from criminal organizations 
and allow the government to tax and regulate the drug.

Trudeau added that regulating the drug would mean keeping it away 
from children, since individuals would have to demonstrate ID before 
purchasing marijuana.

"(Because) you guys aren't allowed to buy cigarettes or booze either. 
Because it's not good for you," he added.

By this point in the response, the student who originally asked 
Trudeau the question had stopped paying attention to the MP's answer 
and began talking to his friends.

Trudeau noticed, and didn't waste the opportunity to point out that 
while a number of studies have shown marijuana is less hazardous to 
health than alcohol and tobacco, the drug can also affect brain 
development if used heavily during teenage years.

"And the effect of marijuana on the growing brain is being 
demonstrated by the muttering in the corner right now," said Trudeau 
of the unaware students.

His comment drew gasps, then laughter and finally thunderous applause 
from other students and staff.

While there are many arguments for decriminalization, Trudeau added 
that there are also many unanswered questions. One is the possibility 
of border control being thickened with the U.S. because of decriminalization.

Another is that while the drug isn't as harmful as tobacco or 
alcohol, "it's not exactly a health group supplement" either.

"Therefore we have to be mindful of the message that we're sending, 
about what's OK and what's not OK, because we're trying to get people 
to live healthier lives," added Trudeau.

"But like I said, I'm a big fan of decriminalization because it 
(prosecuting drug crimes) is using up resources and feeding into a 
system that right now isn't working."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom