Pubdate: Fri, 06 Sep 2002 Source: Northern Life (CN ON) Copyright: 2002 Northern Life Contact: http://www.northernlife.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2396 Author: Rick Pusiak POLICE OPPOSED TO LEGALIZING POT Greater Sudbury Police have come out as being adamantly opposed to the legalization of any and all current illicit drugs in Canada. That includes possession of small amounts of marijuana or other cannabis derivatives. Deputy police chief Jim Cunningham made that comment in the wake of recommendations from a special Senate committee calling for legalization of marijuana and hashish for all Canadians 16 years of age and older. The Senate recommendation could pave the way for marijuana to be sold over the counter in pharmacies, corner grocery stores or government-operated outlets. Cunningham noted, however, if Ottawa were to go ahead with decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis derivatives local police would entertain endorsing the move as long as it was accompanied by education and prevention programs as well as treatment and counselling. But there would have to be a common goal of providing a safer environment for Canadians, said the deputy chief. Ontario Provincial Police have also taken a stand on the issue and are not against the idea of some change. "The OPP is opposed to the legalization of illicit drugs," said Sudbury detachment spokesperson Const. Laura Houliston. "However the OPP is not opposed to alternative justice solutions for the possession of small amounts of cannabis." Former federal health minister Diane Marleau has mixed feelings about the issue. The Sudbury MP said she has no objection to giving people a fine for simple possession of small amounts and not giving them a criminal record. "But I'm not convinced we should go all the way and just say well you can go in to a pharmacy and buy it if you want to," said Marleau. "I'm not sure we should go there." The former health minister noted Canada already faces the challenge of getting people to quit smoking tobacco, which is a proven health hazard. "Should we go ahead and tell people, well you know it's OK to smoke marijuana," said Marleau. "Smoking a cigarette isn't good for you, smoking marijuana can't be any better," said Marleau. The Sudbury MP said the big question is how do you not make criminals out of people holding small amounts of pot while at the same time trying to convince them about the health risks. She has no problem with the use of marijuana in medical circumstances. "I've seen too many people ill with cancer, with nausea because of the (chemotherapy) treatments," said Marleau. "I think if it's beneficial for those people, I think definitely they should have access to medical uses of marijuana." Nickel Belt MP Ray Bonin said he agrees with a statement from a Canadian Police Association spokesperson who noted there are too many politicians playing scientist. Bonin said he is willing to engage in a discussion on decriminalization but he is not prepared at this point to legalize pot. "I'd engage in a debate to make it OK for medicinal use," said the Nickel Belt MP. "Maybe fines for small amounts with no criminal record. I'd insist that it remains a Criminal Code offense to sell and also that the monies saved from prosecuting simple possession be invested in public health education on the harms of drug, alcohol and tobacco." Pot has been outlawed in Canada since 1923. The Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs studied the matter for two years and released the results of their report Wednesday in Ottawa. Statistics indicate that would cover between 300,000 and 600,000 Canadians. A spokesperson for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health told Northern Life from a health perspective there's no evidence that cannabis causes more societal and individual harm than alcohol or tobacco. Dr. Patrick Smith told Northern Life current legal penalties have not proven to have any effectiveness. He added, however, good prevention and health promotion programs show evidence of a reduction in drug use. Smith noted the recommendation to decriminalize is just one part of a comprehensive federal approach to substances. The committee recommendations also include a call for the government to appoint a national adviser on psychoactive substances and that a provincial-municipal conference be held to hammer out the ground rules on legal pot. It is further suggested taxes on the sale of marijuana be used to finance research on drugs as well as treatment and prevention programs. The Senate can recommend whatever it wants, but ultimately it's up to the Chretien government to introduce a bill or motion to change Canada's marijuana laws. And the government isn't expected to release its position on the matter until 2003. It's estimated 100,000 Canadians get high every day and 2 million Canadians have lit up in the last year. About 20,000 people are arrested annually on marijuana-related charges. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens