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Patrick Chen ruled Sept. 4 that portions of the federal Drugs and Controlled Substances Act covering marijuana are no longer valid in the light of an Ontario ruling.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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom