Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jun 2003
Source: Meridian Booster (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003, The Lloydminster Meridian Booster
Contact:  http://www.bowesnet.com/lloydminster/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1590
Author: Todd MacKay

MPS SAY PROPOSED POT LAW NEEDS CHANGES

Many Canadians are wondering what to think of the marijuana 
decriminalization debate. Local MPs are no exception.

Lloydminster Meridian Booster--Many Canadians are wondering what to think 
of the marijuana decriminalization debate. Local MPs are no exception.

"Most of us have gone in with a fairly open mind about decriminalization," 
said Lakeland Alliance MP Leon Benoit. "But the way the bill is now I 
wouldn't vote for it."

Marijuana would remain illegal under the bill introduced May 27, but small 
amounts of pot would move from the criminal realm of the courts to minor 
ticketing offences.

Under the proposed legislation possession of 15 grams of weed would result 
in a $150 fine for an adult and $100 for a minor. Possession of 15 to 30 
grams bumps the fines up to $300 and $200 respectively, though police would 
be able to lay criminal charges leading to six months in jail and $1,000 in 
fines.

While penalties for possessing pot would go down, they increase for people 
puffing while driving or near a school.

Growers also face tougher measures. Growing 50 plants or more could lead to 
a maximum of 14 years in prison, which is double the current seven year 
ceiling.

Neither of Lloydminster's MPs are closing the door on decriminalization 
completely, but they say they need direction from their constituents and 
some significant amendments before they could support the bill.

"The numbers are screwed," said Battlefords-Lloydminster Alliance MP Gerry 
Ritz. "It doesn't address grow ops, gives no new tools to police and 
doesn't look at border security."

The amount of pot that could be decriminalized is one number Ritz doesn't like.

"(The proposed amount) is three to six times higher than allowed in 
Holland," he said. "They allow five grams, enough for one joint. Fifteen to 
30 grams isn't a joint, it's a party."

While Ritz and Benoit agree the possession amount is too high, they also 
agree that consequences for growers are too low.

"There's no minimal jail sentence for grow ops," said Benoit. "Judges would 
have the same digression they have now. Any amount of marijuana is 
currently illegal and judges don't do much."

Alliance MPs also have trouble understanding why minors would pay less in 
fines for having the same amount of pot as an adult. "We need to send a 
stronger message to young people," said Benoit. "This legislation does the 
opposite, it gives a discount to young people. What kind of message does 
that send?"

Proponents of decriminalization argue fines will be a stronger deterrent 
than a criminal record for young people, but Ritz disagrees. He says the 
amount of weed a young person could get ticketed for would be worth more 
than the $100 fine itself.

The degree of punishment aside, Lloydminster's MPs are wondering how the 
legislation would be enforced, especially as it relates to driving under 
the influence. Road-side tests similar to breathalyzers used to test for 
alcohol aren't yet available to detect pot. Benoit and Ritz say those tests 
need to be in place for the law to change.

Both MPs say it is conceivable they'd support decriminalization, but 
there's a lot of questions that would have to be addressed before they'd 
vote in favour. Their constituents would have to support the move. The 
amount of decriminalized possession would have to fall. Minimum sentences 
for growers would have to climb. And the "discount" for young people would 
have to disappear.

The chances of achieving such amendments aren't good, according to Ritz. 
But Benoit is more hopeful.

"I don't think this bill will go through quickly," he said. "There will be 
a lot of public involvement. It could be a really good example of the way 
democracy should work."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens