Pubdate: Tue, 05 Aug 2003
Source: Williams Lake Tribune, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Williams Lake Tribune
Contact:  http://www.wltribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1226
Author:  Matthew Hulett
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03.n931.a04.html

POSESSION LAWS SHOULD MAKE SENSE

Editor:

MP Philip Mayfield is right, the possession laws should make sense. As
should his statements on marijuana. Neither appears to be the case.

Said MP is spouting reefer madness with his commentary on
marijuana.

I quote the Canadian Senate Report, Volume One, circa 2002, page 165,
"In total, based on all the data from the research and the testimony
heard regarding the effects and consequences of cannabis use, the
committee concludes that the state of knowledge supports the belief
that, for the vast majority of recreational users, cannabis use
presents no harmful consequences for physical, psychological or social
well-being in either the short or the long term."

(1) They recommended full legalization, with an age of consent of
16.

Now, it would appear to make sense and to be consistent to fully
legalize marijuana. Period.

The new decriminalization bill if passed into law will be in violation
of the Parker decision any ways, and will be cleared as the current
personal possession law has been cleared.

Possession of thirty grams or less of marijuana is now legal in
Ontario, a precedent soon to spread to all of Canada. So, hand
wringing over this proposal seems to be a waste of time.

Matthew Hulett

Brick, N.J.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake