Pubdate: Sat, 26 Jan 2002
Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2002 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.fyiwinnipeg.com/winsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503
Author: Katie Chalmers. Winnipeg Sun

MARTIN NO CANNABIS CRUSADER

Alliance MP Keith Martin made it clear to university students he is not 
pro-pot.

"I'm illicitly against drug use. But, as a physician, I recognize people 
with substance abuse problems have medical problems and are not criminals," 
said Martin, who was in Winnipeg yesterday to promote his bill to 
decriminalize marijuana possession.

"I don't see a lot of people taking a doobie and saying, 'I'm going to beat 
the so-and-so out of you.'"

Martin's bill, now before parliament, would save $100 million in police 
enforcement and court costs, he said. Money would then be freed up to spend 
on tracking down the "real criminals" -- organized crime gangs in North 
America, he said.

$200 FINE

In the bill, Martin suggests fines of $200 for a first offence of marijuana 
possession, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for additional offences.

Sgt. Lyle MacMillan, of the Winnipeg police drug unit, said he's not 
convinced the bill is a money saver for police who will still have to seize 
the marijuana and issue offence notices.

When one student asked Martin if he had ever smoked pot, the MP declined to 
answer, saying he does not talk about his personal life. However, Martin 
did answer a revised question.

"Do I smoke pot? Absolutely not. I'm against the use of it other than for 
medicinal reasons," he said.

Matt Hawn, one of more than 50 students who listened to Martin speak, said 
he supports decriminalization because criminal records can make it 
difficult to find a job.

"If you get charged, it restricts your freedom after that," said the Arts 
student, who has smoked pot for 12 years and believes it's "a nice way to 
release stress."

Martin said about 60% of MPs support his bill -- called Bill C-344. He 
expects a vote in the House of Commons as early as March.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D