Pubdate: Fri, 16 May 2003 Source: Mississauga News (CN ON) Copyright: The Mississauga News 2003 Contact: http://www.mississauganews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/268 Author: Declan Finucane Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) CITY PUTS ITS POSITION ON POT ON HOLD City councillors want to know if the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence before deciding where they stand on the decriminalization of marijuana. A motion tabled at City council Wednesday opposing Ottawa's plan to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of pot was referred back to staff for clarification on several points. Council also wants to hear from Peel Regional Police Chief Noel Catney before finalizing its position on pending marijuana legislation, which would subject offenders to fines -- much like those doled out for traffic violations -- instead of criminal prosecution. While supportive of the referral, Mayor Hazel McCallion said her thoughts on the federal government's move to decriminalize the drug are crystal clear. "Decriminalization will result in more (marijuana) grow houses; that's my opinion," said McCallion, adding information brought to Peel Region council last week by high-ranking Peel drug cops has left her adamantly opposed to the dropping of criminal sanctions for pot possession offences. Inspector Dave Van Loosen and Acting Detective Sergeant Ian Calder told Regional councillors the number of hydroponics labs in Mississauga is rising dramatically due to the potential for profit and lenient sentences. If decriminalization becomes the law of the land, said Calder, illegal pot growing operations will become even more prevalent in the city. In addition to decriminalizing pot, a bill to be introduced later this month by Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon would also increase penalties for those who grow and traffic the drug. Federal Health Minister Anne McLellan warned that if simple possession is decriminalized, the country could be in for an increase in marijuana use, at least temporarily. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh