Pubdate: Mon, 29 Dec 2003
Source: Prince Albert Daily Herald (CN SN)
Copyright: 2003 Prince Albert Daily Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/princealbert/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1918
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

CORRECT DECISION ON FUTURE OF POT LAWS

Pot smokers might not like the Supreme Court of Canada's decision verifying 
the validity of Canada's marijuana laws, but the decision was the correct one.

Even as the federal government contemplates changes to the laws regarding 
possession of marijuana, the right to change the law should be left up to 
Parliament - not the courts.

The role of the courts is ensure the laws are properly applied and follow 
the Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The courts can't 
decide that a law doesn't apply on any other grounds.

The ruling last Tuesday also makes it very clear that it is up to Ottawa to 
determine the legality of marijuana.

But that didn't make it any easier for those pushing for decriminalization 
of pot.

"I'm bummed out, man," said David Malmo-Levine, a pot activist from 
Vancouver. "I was dreaming of a green Christmas, but they grinched out on 
us. "Their hearts are two sizes too small."

Malmo-Levine and others argued that Canada's pot laws violated the Charter 
because the punishments were too extreme - jail time for simple possession. 
Prime Minister Paul Martin said he plans to reintroduce legislation to 
decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, after the previous 
attempt died on the order table when Jean Chretien ended the last session 
earlier this month.

The debate about marijuana and its use will heat up again in the new year, 
as advocates of its use push for less restrictive laws.

What we have to keep in mind is that marijuana is a drug. It has major side 
effects and causes damage to those who use it.

Whether we allow people to damage themselves, however, is at the basis of 
all our laws. There are many products available with few restrictions that 
can also be damaging - from cigarettes to alcohol.

Canadians have to ask themselves where do we draw the line when it comes to 
people harming themselves - as long as they don't harm others?

And the Supreme Court has upheld the right of society, through our elected 
officials, to make that decision. It's a good ruling by the courts and a 
more difficult one for the rest of us.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom