Pubdate: Thu, 29 May 2003
Source: Red Deer Express (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 Red Deer Express
Contact:  http://www.reddeerexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2920
Author: Johnnie Bachusky

LOCAL COPS GIVE THUMBS DOWN TO POT LAW

The federal government's plan to decriminalize marijuana use is sending a 
"dangerous message" to the community, and in particular, to those who drink 
and use, said a senior Red Deer RCMP officer.

"If we are going to relax our view on possession does that mean we relax 
our view on driving when using it," said Red Deer city RCMP Insp. Peter 
Calvert. "Until such time they are able to come up with a methodology of 
being able to detect it, consistent as they do with alcohol, I think it is 
very dangerous to start heading down these paths."

The legislation to decriminalize marijuana was tabled in the House of 
Commons Tuesday. If passed, the new law will eliminate criminal penalties 
for possession of 15 grams of marijuana or less. The federal government is 
proposing fines up to $250 for youths and $400 for adults caught with up to 
15 grams of marijuana. Ottawa also plans to set aside an additional $245 
million over the next five years to beef up law enforcement efforts, and 
fund education, information, research and treatment programs aimed at 
cutting down drug use.

However, Calvert said the new law will put greater pressure on police 
forces to monitor drivers who are under the influence of marijuana. He 
noted there are no device currently available to accurately gauge levels of 
marijuana in a person's blood system, compared to the well known 
breathalyser test to check levels of alcohol in the blood stream.

Calvert said the only tool police forces now have are drug recognition 
techniques, which require extensive training. He said his detachment does 
not have an expert in that area.

"I'm also concerned about the message we are sending to the youth. In any 
type of substance, if we minimize it, we are once again sending a message 
that it is okay," said Calvert. "They are saying it's going to eliminate 
criminal records for minor amounts of marijuana. Does that mean we 
eliminate criminal records for minor thefts? No we don't."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens