Pubdate: Sat, 05 Aug 2000
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2000, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.canoe.ca/OttawaSun/
Forum: http://www.canoe.ca/Chat/home.html
Author: Chuck Beyer, http://www.mapinc.org/writers/beyer+chuck
Comment: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk

MEDICAL MARIJUANA NOT THE REAL ISSUE

RE ONTARIO'S highest court striking down Canada's pot laws as
unconstitutional: It is important to remember that the issue of
medical marijuana, while important, is not the real issue.

The fact is that two out of three Canadians do not want criminal
records for marijuana possession, period.

A recent COMPAS survey found that 65% of those questioned thought the
concept of decriminalizing pot is an excellent, very good, or good
idea. With numbers like these it is safe to assume that if given a
free vote by the citizens, marijuana would be legal. Canadians do not
want marijuana to be a criminal matter and democracy would be best
served if the Liberals just let this law and this issue die a very
natural death.

Chuck Beyer,
Candidate,
Canada Marijuana Party,
Victoria, B.C.

(Considering the rate at which the Liberals move in criminal law
matters, you may get your wish)
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MAP posted-by: Derek