Pubdate: Wed, 19 Apr 2017
Source: Windsor Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 The Windsor Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501
Author: Mugoli Samba

POLICE TO CONTINUE TO ENFORCE MARIJUANA LAWS

Chief says officers will arrest and charge users since pot not legal
until July 2018

Windsor police Chief Al Frederick says that police will keep enforcing
current marijuana laws - including during "4/20" celebrations planned
in Windsor on Thursday - despite the Trudeau government's intention to
legalize its use.

"Today, marijuana is illegal," Frederick said in a scrum with
reporters following the unveiling of Windsor police's 150th
anniversary cruiser Tuesday. "And anybody who (illegally) possesses or
traffics marijuana today is subject to prosecution. No question."

If legalized in July 2018, the federal minimum age of purchase would
be 18. Those over the legal age will have the right to buy and grow
small amounts, and to possess up to 30 grams of marijuana. Larger
producers would have to obtain licences from Ottawa, while provinces
would regulate its distribution, sale and pricing.

Frederick said police will be present around the downtown core on
Thursday as marijuana advocates mark 4/20, a code term for the
consumption of marijuana. A 4/20 Festival is taking place at Charles
Clark Square, and a 4/20 Windsor event is planned for the downtown
medical marijuana lounge Higher Limits.

Marijuana advocate Jon Liedtke said Windsor police should start
concentrating their efforts elsewhere, instead of wasting time and
money enforcing marijuana laws that will soon be gone. "I think it's a
little illogical to be focusing on something that will most likely get
thrown out in the court process a year from now after legalization
comes in effect," Liedtke said. "I believe it would be a waste of
taxpayer dollars, police resources and overall time and effort to keep
trying to prosecute low-level cannabis offences."

The city's police force is currently preparing policies for the drug
's legalization, Frederick said. The policies will provide a "unique
response" to challenges that are distinct to Windsor.

"Marijuana will not be legal in the United States," said Frederick.
"And so that creates a threat to Windsor residents who may forget it's
in their pockets, enter a foreign country and you can be arrested."

Frederick said that police will continue to arrest and charge users.
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MAP posted-by: Matt