Pubdate: Sat, 31 May 2003
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003, Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Troy Dexter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk

SMOKING MARIJUANA IS NOT A CRIME.

Good move on the part of the federal government for finally introducing 
some renewed cannabis laws. It appears this step is the appropriate one for 
the change in attitudes toward marijuana. I only wish the justice minister 
wasn't so quick in ruling out the possibility of full legalization. How 
quickly he forgot the Senate report last September, which urged 
legalization of marijuana.

Nonetheless, here we are more then a year later and finally taking the 
first step. I do agree that a revamped national drug strategy is an ideal 
thought; but perhaps it is merely that, just a thought. I question the 
effectiveness of a drug strategy plan aimed at discouraging pot use among 
teens when the fines for marijuana possession for young people are less 
then that for adults. I doubt that any anti-drug campaign will be 
effective, as people in general are inclined to make their own choices 
depending on their own beliefs. But at least it is recognized now that 
smoking marijuana is not a crime.

We have medicinal marijuana, which recognizes marijuana as having 
therapeutic benefits. Who is to say that it only benefits certain medical 
conditions, and not everyday, minor annoyances such as nausea, migraine 
headaches, etc. It will be interesting to witness how the public's 
attitudes will further change when this bill becomes the law. And as Mr. 
Chretien plans to put forth a vote of confidence on this issue in the House 
of Commons, I salute him as I consider this to be part of his lasting 
legacy as the greatest prime minister this country has ever seen. Vive le 
Canada!!!

Troy Dexter

Ottawa

(The best PM ever?!? He barely qualifies as the best Canadian PM this century!)
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom