Pubdate: Fri, 05 Aug 2005
Source: Salmon Arm Observer (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 Salmon Arm Observer
Contact:  http://www.saobserver.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1407
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Marc+Emery (Emery, Marc)

TIME FOR OTTAWA TO TAKE A STAND

As marijuana activist and pot seed seller Marc Emery sits in a
Vancouver jail waiting on extradition hearings to the U.S., Canada
finds itself faced with a question it hasn't been able to answer for
close to four decades.

In which direction should the government go when it comes to dealing
with marijuana?

It is time for the Canadian government to finally take a stand and map
out a clear approach on marijuana and its billion dollar underground
economy.

On one hand, the government plans to decriminalize marijuana with its
proposed Bill C-17. If adopted, adults caught with 15 grams or less
would receive a ticket of up to $400. However, in the same breath the
bill would double the length of prison sentences for marijuana growers
and introduces four new offences for growers.

By decriminalizing marijuana, the government is conceding that its
approach of zero tolerance is flawed. Yet, at the same time Bill C-17
uses the U.S. theory that stiffer penalties will deter growers.
According to Statistics Canada, the U.S. arrested 734,498 for
marijuana related crimes - a statistic that would indicate its decades
old "war on drugs" has accomplished little while punishing many.

In its most recent attempt to make headway, it established the Special
Committee on Non-Medical Use of Drugs in 2001. The committee's final
report one year later states Canada should not only move towards
decriminalization but allow the cultivation of not more than 30 grams
of cannabis for personal use. At a time when a Canadian citizen is
facing the possibility of life in prison in the U.S. for laws it
clearly rejects, it makes you wonder just where our government stands.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake