Pubdate: Fri, 06 Jun 2003
Source: South Delta Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 South Delta Leader
Contact:  http://www.southdeltaleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1241
Author:  Dan Fergsuon

FEDS POT LAW PROPOSAL PANNED

The federal government's proposed overhaul of the Criminal Code to reduce 
penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana could mean increased 
crime and higher policing costs, Mayor Lois Jackson and police spokesperson 
Const. Sharlene Brooks warned.

The amended law, unveiled in Ottawa last Tuesday by federal Justice 
Minister Martin Cauchon, would reduce the punishment for possessing small 
amounts of pot to a ticketed fine, which would not result in a criminal record.

At the same time the law would double the maximum possible prison term for 
running a marijuana grow operation from seven to 14 years.

An underage person with less than 15 grams of pot (about 20 joints - 
marijuana cigarettes) could be fined as little as $100.

Pot growers would face sentences ranging from one year in jail (or a fine) 
for three plants or less, to a maximum of 14 years for 50 or more plants.

Ottawa also plans to spend $245 million a year to beef up policing, educate 
the public about marijuana health hazards, and conduct research and 
treatment programs to prevent drug use, especially among young people.

Mayor Jackson said giving kids a fine for pot smoking sends a questionable 
message to children that drug use is no big deal. She also doubts it's all 
that practical an approach.

"How do you ticket a 15-year old? How do you do that?," Jackson asked.

"If you catch a 15-year-old with 10 joints, he's a minor. How's he going to 
pay? How do you collect?"

Jackson and Const. Brooks' department expressed concern the changes could 
increase drug use, especially among young people. She added it could also 
produce an increase in drug-related crime.

"The impact is not going to be simple, or one-dimensional," Brooks cautioned.

"It's imperative that the federal government provide funding to assist 
police in combating public safety issues that may arise."

Brooks said Delta Police hope the government will give judges clear 
direction about the need to use the tougher penalties for grow ops.

"We need a hard line (taken with) growers and dealers."
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart