Pubdate: Sat, 16 Apr 2011 Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON) Copyright: 2011 Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx Website: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169 Author: Greg Peerenboom LEGALIZE MARIJUANA: WALSH CORNWALL -- Considering the federal parties they represent, it's no surprise that Green's Wyatt Walsh had a lot to say about recently stricken medicinal marijuana laws, but Conservative Guy Lauzon did not. NDP torchbearer Mario Leclerc was somewhere in-between, while Liberal Bernadette Clement viewed it in a related context. "We should be legalizing (marijuana), getting a control of it (as a commodity)," said Walsh, responding to an Ontario Superior Court ruling which squashed pot laws earlier this week. Justice Donald Taliano sided with a complaint against the Mari juana Medical Access Regulations, citing its ineffectiveness to allow marijuana for patients who are unable to get physician authorization. Walsh's reaction is partly based on the simplicity of the issue in the eyes of the Green Party, which includes the legalization of marijuana. The other three parties do not hold that position, although NDP leader Jack Layton did endorse legalization at one time. Lauzon's first reaction was that medical regulations "need to be adjusted." Later, he said he would prefer to reserve his judgement until federal justice and health ministries analyzed the judge's ruling. "I'm not a lawyer, so I can not comment on it." Walsh didn't give any slack to Lauzon over the issue, citing the bundle of informat ion he said he gave to the incumbent MP last fall. "I asked (Lauzon) do you believe in the constitution or law and order, and he said I believe in law and order." Lauzon wouldn't take the bait, saying the meeting with Walsh was a confidential matter when Walsh was a constituent, not a rival candidate. Walsh said the ruling is another example of why marijuana should be made more available, and that legalization is the best way of achieving that goal. He said he knows many people who could use mari juana for pain relief instead of the extremely addictive depressant, oxycontin. Clement and Leclerc agreed with that a thorough review of medicinal use is needed so that more patients are not left without options. Leclerc hopes that new rules could open up more access for those in medical need, but wouldn't allow "free access for everyone." Clement branched out from the other candidates, stressing a closer examination of all pain relief options. "I can say as a lawyer (at the legal clinic) I've dealt with clients with this issue, and most of the people have found other ways dealing with chronic pain." However, she said chronic pain management is limited in Cornwall, forcing sufferers to get treatment in Ottawa. Clement prefers the new government would ask for a longer appeal period than the current 90 days provided by the judge. Establishing "clear" regulations regarding medical pot is still needed. She would like to see future discussions of legalized pot continue. For example, she noted the Canadian Association of Police Chiefs has recommended the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.