Pubdate: Thu, 14 Jan 2016
Source: Ajax/Pickering News Advertiser (CN ON)
Contact:  2016 METROLAND MEDIA GROUP LTD.
Website: http://www.durhamregion.com/durhamregion-news/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2104
Note: Specify Ajax or Pickering News Advertiser in LTEs

MARIJUANA STUNT GOES UP IN FLAMES

Mailing Pot to MPs Won't Have the Desired Impact

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to legalize marijuana, we 
just don't know when.

The marijuana advocates must feel like he's taking too long for their 
liking given the recent stunt by pot activist Dana Larsen, who sent a 
special package to the 184 Liberal politicians, including MPs in 
Durham and Northumberland. The manila envelopes sent to the MPs 
contains his and illustrator Patrick Dowers' new book Cannabis in 
Canada, the Illustrated History - as well as a gram of medical-grade marijuana.

If the goal was to get people talking about the medical marijuana 
issue, it's a noble idea but the tactic was flawed. What Mr. Larsen 
did by mailing the marijuana was not legal and by the definition of 
the law should be punished; we know that won't happen.

The legality surrounding the issue is a little tricky, mainly because 
of various investigations that need to be done for such a small 
amount of pot. Even if it could be proven who sent the pot through 
the mail, the effort to prove it in the courts would be a waste of 
time and money.

This stunt will likely make people smile at first but in the end it 
could undermine what the medical marijuana lobby is attempting to 
accomplish. At least one area MP's office called the police to come 
and pick up the contraband.

It's why this publicity stunt looks great in headlines and will draw 
attention for a few days but will fade away as quickly as it was 
dreamed up by the pot advocates. Mr. Larsen can't expect the MPs to 
take him seriously as the move conjures up images of potheads sitting 
around and hitting on this great way to effect change.

The only impact it will likely have is fortify the resolve some MPs 
have against legalizing marijuana. The argument can be made that by 
making a joke of the issue, the advocates are further strengthening 
the stereotype that the pot lobby can't be taken seriously. There are 
people who need the change in the laws and this undercuts their efforts.

Moving forward, the jokers need to step aside and let the legitimate 
lobbyists do their job and convince the Prime Minister to move on 
their issue. To do otherwise, could put all their work up in smoke.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom