Pubdate: Sat, 28 Dec 2002
Source: Canadian Champion, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd
Contact:  http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/mcc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1503
Author: Lisa Tallyn

LOCAL POLICE SUPPORT DE-CRIMINALIZING POT ON SMALL SCALE ONLY

But Chief Says He Fears Youths Getting The Wrong Message

Potentially looser laws on marijuana possession have received lukewarm 
support locally but Halton's police chief has expressed concern youths are 
getting a mixed message about drug use.

A Commons committee, chaired by Burlington MP Paddy Torsney, recommended 
earlier this month that Canadians should be allowed to grow and carry 
around 30 grams of marijuana for personal use at the risk only of a ticket 
and fine, not a criminal record. Marijuana would remain an illegal 
substance and trafficking in any amount would still be a crime.

Legislation on the matter could be introduced early next year.

Halton Regional Police Chief Ean Algar said the police service, in keeping 
with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police recommendation, supports 
possession of a small quantity of marijuana be treated as a non-criminal 
offence, but he stressed, that would be for the first offence only and at 
the police officer's discretion.

He said that recommendation is in line with what is already occurring in 
the courts.

Chief Algar stressed that recommendation comes with the caveat that a 
renewed National Drug Strategy be put in place that would include public 
education, a health component and harsher penalties for dealing and 
production of drugs.

Chief Algar however, isn't happy with the message he believes is being put 
out in the media as a result of the committee's recommendation.

"It shouldn't be the message that drugs are okay," said Chief Algar. "I'm 
disappointed in the way this is evolving. The youth of our community are 
confused."

Proof of that comes in the fact that Halton's Drug Abuse Resistance 
Education (D.A.R.E.) officers are being asked by area students if drugs are 
good or bad.

"They should be sending a clear message that drug use is unacceptable and 
this seems to be lost in this whole issue," he said. "The focus should be 
on drug dealing and cultivation."

Included in the committee's recommendation are more drug prevention and 
education programs on the risk of marijuana use, especially to young 
people. The committee would also like to see a test to measure the drug 
impairment level of drivers, similar to the blood alcohol meters now available.

"I really think it probably makes sense to decriminalize possession," said 
Halton MP Julian Reed, who stressed he doesn't condone marijuana use. "The 
police have a lot more important things to do."

When asked if he would support the recommendation he said he supports the 
concept, but he'll "wait to see the bill."

"I want to see the legislation and be able to establish it does what it is 
intended to do and does not encourage the drug trade."

Ian Stewart, executive director of ADAPT, (Alcohol and Drug and Gambling 
Assessment Prevention and Treatment) a Halton-based agency, said the change

to the law is "something that does make sense from a lot of perspectives."

"I don't condone its (marijuana) use at all," stressed Mr. Stewart. "In 
many ways I think a strong fine may be more of a deterrence (than the 
current criminal record). I don't think it will lead to increased use."

He added if preventing use is the real issue, a multi-pronged approach is 
needed including enforcement, prevention, education, research and treatment.

Halton Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal said neither he or 
the region's health department have an official position on decriminalizing 
marijuana possession, calling it a "federal issue."

"For any substance use or abuse, be it tobacco, alcohol or marijuana my 
view, and the public health position is these issues need to be dealt with 
with comprehensive programming."

Maggie Waligora, a registered nurse, and chief operating officer of the 
Halton Hills-based Art of Healthy Living Inc., which offers a support group 
for parents of teens with drug and crime problems, is opposed to the 
proposed change.

"I don't think it should be allowed at all," said Ms Waligora. "Marijuana 
is the gateway drug to other drugs. I see it will increase the usage."

She said she's hearing from young people that they are interpreting the 
message to mean that marijuana possession is going to be legal and "in 
their mind it's legal and it's okay."

Ms Waligora believes a criminal record is more a deterrent than a fine.
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