Pubdate: Sun, 21 Sep 2003
Source: Penticton Western (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Penticton Western
Contact:  http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310
Author: Wolf Depner

POT POSSESSION STILL PROSECUTED

Local RCMP will continue to arrest those found in possession of marijuana, 
despite a recent provincial court ruling.

Judge Patrick Chen ruled Sept. 4 that portions of the federal Drugs and 
Controlled Substances Act covering marijuana are no longer valid in the 
light of an Ontario ruling.

Federal crown prosecutors are considering appealing that decision, said 
Staff-Sgt. Tracy Hardy. The federal government plans to introduce 
legislation that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of 
marijuana, while increasing the penalties for growers. Police meanwhile 
will continue to enforce federal laws prohibiting the possesession of 
marijuana, she said.

B.C. Solicitor General Rich Coleman last week also called the ruling 
non-binding.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom