Pubdate: Fri, 19 Sep 2003
Source: York Guardian (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 York Guardian
Contact:  http://www.insidetoronto.ca/to/york/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2195
Author: Tim Meehan

POT LAWS UP IN SMOKE, SAYS DOPE LOBBYIST

Re: 'Toronto Police Service reinstates program that puts officer back into 
high schools', News, Sept. 10.

It's great that Const. Kevin McAleer wants to help kids stay away from 
drugs, but he should start educating them by telling them the truth.

Personal marijuana possession is, in fact, 100 per cent legal in Ontario 
due to the court ruling of Mr. Justice Steven Rogin of the Ontario Superior 
Court, a ruling which is binding across the province.

This type of misinformation only breeds contempt and disrespect for the 
police, something they surely don't need in these times.

It has been my experience over the summer that police have been instructed 
to caution people who they find smoking cannabis, but if they cite the law 
and stand up for their rights, officers are told by their supervisors to 
leave them alone.

Police may have some bad feelings because of this ruling, but they should 
also know that people who are harassed, documented, or have their marijuana 
seized because police do not know - or refuse to acknowledge - the law as 
it stands, will certainly be pursuing lawsuits against the officer and the 
police service.

Tim Meehan,

Communications Director

Ontario Consumers for Safe Access to Recreational Cannabis
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MAP posted-by: Beth