Pubdate: Tue, 07 Oct 2003
Source: Brock Press, The (CN ON Edu)
Copyright: 2003 The Brock Press.
Contact: http://www.brockpress.com/main.cfm?include=submit
Website: http://www.brockpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2865
Author: Ali Mansouri

COFFEE, TEA, MARIJUANA?

MONTREAL (CUP) - Montreal is likely to see the arrival of Chez Marijane, a 
pot cafe, by the end of September.

But police say they will not be tolerant of people looking to puff with 
their morning coffee.

"Whether or not you open a place that allows pot smoking, it's still 
illegal to possess marijuana, according to the Criminal Code, and we will 
not tolerate that at all," said Constable Yannick Ouimet.

Pot Party leader Hugo Saint-Onge argues that Cafe Marijane will eventually 
open and that he is not pressured by police enforcement.

"They want to arrest people and frighten them, but we want to end the 
marijuana prohibition, and we will work toward that."

Vanier College students, who were quite amazed by the news of the cafe's 
opening on St. Denis Street, had lots to share on the issue.

"At least I could smoke a joint without watching my back all the time," 
said one student.

According to Health Canada, cannabis use among students has greatly 
increased since the 1990's. This fact is nothing new to many Vanier 
students, such as Mohammed Hamid.

"I've been seeing students smoke this shit ever since high school," said 
the second-year pure science scholar.

"Maybe the arrival of this cafe may lower weed smoking on streets and 
campuses," he added.

Across Canada, a growing number of coffee houses have been encouraging 
customers to smoke joints in their establishments, which has tormented many 
parents.

"Why must my son be exposed to such things? Now even having a cup of coffee 
with his friends is a hazard," explained one parent.

Some people are questioning the power police have to stop people from 
smoking marijuana.

"Grass-smoking is a growing trend; they did it in the '70s and they're 
still doing it now. As long as it stays a trend, authorities cannot stop 
its spread," argued a history teacher from Emile-Legault High School in 
Montreal.

The final decision concerning the opening of the pot cafe is to come within 
the next few weeks.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom