Pubdate: Wed, 02 Jul 2003
Source: Advance, Barrie, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact:  http://www.simcoe.com/sc/barrie/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2192
Author: Laurie Watt
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

MP CARROLL SAYS NEW POT LAW WILL HELP CURB ITS USAGE

Canada's proposed marijuana decriminalization could make an incredible 
difference for Canadians who want to travel, says Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford MP 
Aileen Carrol. "It's not legal. It's decriminalized and that's an important 
distinction. What this legislation proposes is a person who is caught with 
simple possession, not trafficking or growing, with under 15 grams, it will 
no longer be a felony. They will be fined," said Carroll.

"In being fined $100, it still constitutes an offence."

However, as a criminal offence, simple pot possession can still net someone 
a criminal record - which can limit not only travel but career aspirations, 
noted Carroll.

"That negatively impacts Canadians for whom it might have happened many 
years ago, with regard to their travelling, school and work. We've had 
several examples in our office in Barrie. One 50-year-old executive wanted 
to take his children to Disneyland, but couldn't, because of an offence in 
university. It was a minor offence, which gave this person a criminal record."

The pardon process is long and arduous, she noted, and most Canadians 
wouldn't complete the process.

These issues are further complicated by an uneven application of the law 
across the country, she noted. Setting a national standard is much more 
just for citizens and more effective in controlling drugs.

"It creates consistency across the country. What's been happening is very 
uneven. You might get a reprimand from a policeman, or sometimes you might 
be charged and have a criminal record. There have been a variety of 
consequences," said Carroll.

In decriminalizing simple pot possession - that is 15 grams or less - the 
federal government is ultimately aiming to discourage the use of cannabis 
with higher rates of enforcement by issuing tickets and fines, she explained.

Fines will be $150 for adults and $100 for youth, and those youths' parents 
will be notified.

"I see it within our national drug strategy," Carroll said.

"I also agree with (stiffer penalties) regarding aggravating factors, such 
as being near a school or use in a car. "

In decriminalizing simple possession, the courts can deal more effectively 
with growers and traffickers.

Growing one to three plants will be a summary conviction, outside the 
criminal system. Penalties would be at a judge's discretion, but could be 
as much as $5,000 or 12 months in jail.

As the number of plants grown rises, so do the penalties. At the 26-plant 
level, there's the possibility of 10 years in jail, and up to 50 plants, 14 
years.

Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and Luxembourg allow for possession of 
small amounts of cannabis. The Swiss parliament is considering legalizing 
cannabis possession, and in France, an official directive advises 
prosecutors and judges to avoid criminal charges.
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MAP posted-by: Tom