Pubdate: Sat, 31 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
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

COPS NOT HAPPY WITH NEW POT LAW

Cops in the Red Deer region are still turning their noses at the federal 
government's plan to decriminalize marijuana use.

Police officers added that the proposed softer laws are sending a "bad 
message" to young people.

They also say the new legislation will erode the good work law enforcement 
agencies have done in schools to warn young people on the dangers of using 
drugs, including marijuana.

"We have a school resource officer who has been very successful in 
convincing people to not take drugs," said Bill Zens, chief of the Lacombe 
Police Service. "I think the message here is extremely bad, which in effect 
is saying, 'Marijuana isn't a bad thing'.

"I think it goes totally against our philosophies," added Zens. "I'm 
extremely disillusioned with the fact that there is even a consideration of 
changing it, which appears to be a done deal."

The legislation to decriminalize marijuana was tabled in the House of 
Commons last 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.

"My concern is for the youth," said Zens. They (federal government) are 
giving a mixed message against everything we are pushing.

"The fact that they are in effect saying that occasional use is okay is in 
my mind not acceptable, added Zens.

However, Zens said he is encouraged that the new pot bill is proposing 
harder penalties for drug trafficking, but he is still giving it a thumbs down.

"The fact that they are in effect saying that occasional use is okay is in 
my mind not acceptable," said Zens.

Last week, Red Deer city RCMP Insp. Peter Calvert said he was worried the 
new law will make enforcement against drug impaired drivers more difficult.

"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."

Both Calvert and Zens noted there is 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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom