Pubdate: Fri, 30 May 2003 Source: Daily Courier, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 The Okanagan Valley Group of Newspapers Contact: http://www.theokanagan.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/531 Note: by the Daily Courier Staff RELAXED POT LAWS CONCERN SCHOOL School officials are bracing themselves for more marijuana abuse among students once Ottawa eases the laws for pot possession. The Central Okanagan district is already struggling with students bringing pot, alcohol and cigarettes to school, says Supt. Ron Rubadeau. The number of suspensions for marijuana-related offences has mushroomed in recent years, he says. If students perceive the penalties for possessing weed are more lenient, the problem of toking and dealing it at school will get worse. "We're a little shocked the federal government would consider an action which can't benefit education anywhere," said Rubadeau. "This matter has got us gravely concerned." Under legislation introduced by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon this week, possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana - enough to roll 15 or 20 joints - would be a minor offence punishable by a fine. Youths could face fines from $100 to $250 for minor possession. Adults could be fined $150 to $400. Medical experts and academics are clashing over whether decriminalization will spark more cannabis use among adolescents. Many fear kids will light up at school more often and get into trouble as a result. "You come to school with alcohol or drugs, you're not going to be in school," said Rubadeau. "You may get a (minor) fine down the street, but we take it pretty seriously. We may be the only ones concerned about it." Last year, the district handed out 90 suspensions of 10 days or more; 27 of them involved students caught smoking or possessing marijuana on school grounds. Many had enough on them they could sell it to others, said Rubadeau. More than 200 suspensions of two or three days were also drug-related. Most of the offending students had drug paraphernalia on them or were standing in a group sharing a joint, said Rubadeau. Six years ago, the problem was far smaller. Ninety suspensions of 10 days or more were handed out, but only three were for drug use. There were no pot-related suspensions of two or three days. One reason for the proliferation of pot in schools today is the easy access youth have. "Students aren't getting it from the seedy character down the street. They're coming from brother, sister, mom and dad. A larger number of parents are looking at us, saying 'what's the big deal?'" said Rubadeau. He's not alone in his concern. The schools superintendent in Kamloops said pot-related suspensions have tripled in the last 10 years, and easing up on possession laws won't help. Educators agree stoned students are less able to listen, get motivated and learn. "You're under the influence of a substance that changes your behaviour. Those who say they can concentrate better are like someone who drinks too much and says 'I can drive,'" said Rubadeau. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake