Pubdate: Thu, 23 Jan 2003
Source: Stillwater News Press (OK)
Copyright: 2003 Stillwater News Press
Contact:  http://www.stwnewspress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/789
Author: Ron du Bois

CANADA POT PROHIBITION CRUMBLES

The laws prohibiting marijuana possession in Canada continue to crumble.

Last week, an Ontario judge declared unconstitutional Ottawa's scheme to 
allow the use of pot for medical reasons, according to a Canadian Press report.

It's not fair to allow people to smoke medicinal marijuana then force them 
to get the drug from the corner drug dealer, which is what the scheme 
effectively does, said Superior Court Justice Sidney Lederman. "Laws which 
put seriously ill, vulnerable people in a position where they have to deal 
with the criminal underworld to obtain medicine they have been authorized 
to take violate the constitutional right to security of the person," 
Lederman wrote in a 40-page ruling. "I have grave reservations about a 
regime which grants legal access by relying on drug dealers to supply and 
distribute the required medicine."

Lederman gave the federal government six months to fix the regulations, 
after which time they will be "of no force and effect." In related news, 
Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien has reportedly overcome past 
hesitancy and is now ready to move quickly to decriminalize possession of 
marijuana.

Ron du Bois, Stillwater
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