Pubdate: Tue, 29 May 2001 Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Copyright: 2001 The Vancouver Sun Page A5 Contact: http://www.vancouversun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477 Author: Joan Bryden Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) CHRETIEN SAYS 'NO' TO LEGALIZING MARIJUANA OTTAWA - Prime Minister Jean Chretien has ruled out the decriminalization of marijuana. Chretien told reporters Monday he supports the federal policy of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. But he gave a blunt, succinct answer when asked whether his government intends to go any farther: "No." He later said he welcomes renewed public debate on the issue, but suggested that will not change his mind. "We've made a move on the question of using marijuana for health and the minister of health has done it. Should we go into decriminalization and so on? It's not part of the agenda at this time. But there is a public debate. That's all right." Chretien shrugged off suggestions that the push for decriminalization has gained unprecedented momentum, noting that the issue has been debated for 30 years. The prime minister's rejection of decriminalization comes only two weeks after all five federal parties agreed to strike a special committee to examine Canada's drug laws. The creation of the committee has reignited debate over the possibility of removing possession of marijuana as an offence under the Criminal Code. Tory Leader Joe Clark has said he favours decriminalization, as has a smattering of MPs from all parties. Justice Minister Anne McLellan has said she's open to debate on the issue. Late last year, a Senate committee was charged with undertaking a two-year study of Canada's drug laws and has since heard primarily from groups that favour decriminalization. On Monday, the Canadian Police Association warned the Senate committee that decriminalizing possession of even small amounts of marijuana would weaken both the public perception of "harm in drug use" and the "moral disapproval of drug use." It argued that countries which have adopted more permissive drug laws have experienced an increase in health-care costs and violent crime. It also maintained that marijuana is "the gateway" to the use of other, harder drugs. The police association's opposition is at odds with the Canadian Association of Police Chiefs and the RCMP, both of which have endorsed decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana, provided that the government simultaneously introduces new drug prevention, education and treatment programs. The Canadian Medical Association Journal has similarly called on the government to decriminalize possession of small amounts. A recent journal editorial argued that there are "minimal" health risks in smoking marijuana in moderation. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager