Pubdate: Fri, 13 Dec 2002 Source: Halifax Herald (CN NS) Copyright: 2002 The Halifax Herald Limited Contact: http://www.herald.ns.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) BAKER OK WITH DECRIMINALIZING POT Justice Minister Michael Baker says he has no problem with the decriminalization of possession of pot. "There's clearly a lot of people in this country who have ended up with criminal records in situations where, frankly, I don't think it's appropriate," Mr. Baker said Thursday after cabinet. "It's much like speeding - it's illegal, you shouldn't do it, but there are lots of things that are illegal, and people shouldn't do, that shouldn't be crimes." But the minister doesn't think marijuana should be legalized. "I think with legalization, it may send a message to young people that it's an OK thing to do, it's acceptable. I think obviously the issue of drug use among young people is a concern for everyone," Mr. Baker said. A report by a special parliamentary committee on the non-medicinal use of drugs released Thursday said that possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana should not burden someone with a criminal record. In September, a Senate committee recommended legalizing pot use for those over age 16. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake