Pubdate: Sun, 08 Jun 2003 Source: Burlington Post (CN ON) Copyright: 2003 Burlington Post Contact: http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/bp/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1528 Author: Robb Swybrous POLICE CHIEF AIRS CONCERNS ABOUT POT LAW Proposed Federal Legislation Needs Stronger Anti-Drug Message: Algar The federal government's proposed changes to marijuana legislation through the Cannabis Reform Bill represent steps in the right direction, says Ean Algar, Halton's police chief. But the region's top cop has some serious concerns about aspects of the proposed legislation. "I like some of the things the government put forward but I'd like to see that it all comes together where the message is it isn't good to take drugs, drugs are still bad," Algar said. The Cannabis Reform Bill was announced late last month by Martin Cauchon, federal justice minister. If passed, the bill would introduce softer penalties for possessing small amounts of the drug and increase penalties for growing operations. Those caught in possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana will be issued a ticket and not be charged criminally. Fines differ for adults and minors. The maximum amount an adult can be fined is $150, while minors younger than 18 will get a $100 ticket and their parents/caregivers will be informed. Fines jump to $300 for adults and $200 for youths for cannabis resin (hashish) possession. Fines increase based on aggravating factors. For instance if someone is caught with less than 15 grams of pot while committing an indictable offence or driving a vehicle, the fines jump to $400 for adults and $250 for minors. Police will be allowed to use discretion in deciding whether to ticket or charge a person caught possessing 15-30 grams of pot. Fines for adults in this situation would be $300, while minors would be ticketed for $200. Maximum sentencing for a summary criminal conviction in these cases would be six months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. Those who run hydroponic growing operations -- a phenomena that has become increasingly popular in Halton over the past two years -- could really be hit by the new law. The new legislation created different offences depending on the size of the growing operation. growing 1-3 plants could net a suspect a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a year in jail growing 4-25 plants could net a suspect a fine of up to $25,000 and/or 18 months in jail growing 26-50 plants could result in a 10-year jail sentence growing more than 50 plants could result in a sentence of up to 14 years in jail. Algar likes that the federal government is acting to reduce demand for drugs but is less than thrilled with the proposed legislation for a number of reasons. He said police hoped the decriminalized amount (15 grams) would be less and says people shouldn't be fooled into thinking pot is a harmless narcotic. "We had recommended it be a smaller amount (because) of increased potency," he said. "The active ingredient used to be about two per cent. Now it's up to somewhere in the neighbourhood of 15 per cent. So it's more active as far as the psychotic effect of the drug." The chief is pleased the legislation aims to severely punish those who grow marijuana but says more still needs to be done to convince growers it's not worth it for them to manufacture drugs. "I would hope the courts recognize the severity and profit potential and the courts give sentences that are more meaningful," he said. "We have to work to present that information to the courts but in turn the courts have to put out sentences that take away the profit effect of this. We're talking several millions of dollars here in Halton alone." Algar is also concerned that lax possession charges could increase pot use and in turn potentially increase impaired driving occurrences. Halton's health department has not taken an official stance on the proposed legislation. Josee Coutu, manager of the department's injury, violence and substance abuse prevention program, said Halton is instead focusing on informing residents of the potential health risks associated with drug use. "Our position is people should have information that marijuana is not harmless," she said. That message plus promoting an anti-smoking and driving policy and informing residents of the potential dangers of mixing pot with alcohol form the crux of the department's health policy on pot. The federal government hopes to pass the new bill by the end of the year. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens