Pubdate: Thu, 07 Aug 2014
Source: Markham Economist & Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 Metroland Printing
Contact:  http://www.yorkregion.com/markham-on/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2360
Author: Jeremy Grimaldi
Page: 25

CHIEF FAVOURS TICKETS FOR SIMPLE MARIJUANA POSSESSION

Fines could be similar to those issued for drinking in parks

If you are found smoking a joint on a corner in York Region, should
you end up with a criminal record?

York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe does not think
so.

He says a more measured approach should be considered for minor pot
offences - the equivalent of someone holding 30 grams of marijuana,
the equivalent of about 40 joints.

For that amount, while also using officer's discretion, those who are
simple users would be given a ticket, similar to what residents would
receive for drinking in a park.

Despite this modern stance, Jolliffe is quite clear, this does not
mean he is in favour of decriminalization or legalization of the drug.

"It is our opinion that the illicit use of cannabis has a negative
impact on public safety and the health of young persons," he said.

However, he does believe the fresh approach to the issue would benefit
his officers, residents and institutions here and across the country.

"From our perspective what is being proposed will lessen the burden on
the criminal justice system as well as our officers' time having to
attend court for these relatively minor offences," he wrote in an
email. "It will also allow our officers to use their discretion on a
case by case basis, which is more efficient and makes good common sense."

Jolliffe, similar to many chiefs around the country, is not the only
one who's view is shifting under a weight of research that suggests
marijuana users should not be put through the court system.

Many, including federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, who is in
favour of the government taxing and regulating the substance, agree
the drug should be legalized entirely.

Colorado and Washington, for example, legalized marijuana for adults
older than 21 on Jan. 1.

Polls are showing a softening view of the drug among Canadians of all
ages.

The results of a national survey of 3,000 people commissioned by the
Department of Justice showed two-thirds of respondents want marijuana
laws softened, but a majority says companies should not be allowed to
package and sell marijuana like alcohol and cigarettes.

Meanwhile 37.3 per cent say marijuana should be legalized, 33.4
percent want small amounts decriminalized, 13.7 per cent say the laws
should stay the same, while 12 per cent say they should be
strengthened.

In light of the Trudeau announcement, the Conservative government put
out the following message on it's website.

"These drugs are illegal because of the harmful effect they have on
users and on society," the statement read. "We will continue
protecting the interests of families across this country. Our
Government has no interest in seeing marijuana legalized."

However when it comes to Chief Jolliffe's position, which is backed by
the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Conservative House
Leader and York Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan said the government is
looking into it.

The government is looking at the Canadian Association of Chiefs of
Police's proposal to ticket small amounts of marijuana, he said.
"Unlike the Liberal Party, we have been very clear, we have no
intention of legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana. The chiefs of
police have also been very clear that they do not support marijuana
legalisation."

Oak Ridges-Markham MP Paul Calandra said while he is personally
"undecided" on the issue, the government's policy has been slowly
morphing on medical marijuana policy, where the government has made
significant changes and raised the option of decriminalizing small
amounts of marijuana.

"Police know the difference between someone trafficking and someone
using it for non-medicinal purposes," he said. "I haven't seen
evidence either way. I have spoken to officer friends who say they
would like another tool in the toolbox (ticketing for small amounts)."

As for other marijuana advocates, who have been looking at the
intricacies of the debate for some time, the issue of whether to
decriminalize small amounts has divided many.

Craig Jones, the executive director of the National Organization for
the Reform of Marijuana Laws in Canada, said giving police discretion
is very controversial.

"For a long time, police officers on the front line have been trying
to strike this balance between enforcing the law and recognizing that
the law is cumbersome, not only on the individual, but also for the
criminal justice system," he said.

"Unless the possessor is also in possession of gun and several
thousand dollars in cash and some cocaine, the individual is probably
going to quit using it anyway. Punishment is disproportionate to the
crime."
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MAP posted-by: Matt