Pubdate: Thu, 27 Sep 2012
Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Metro Canada
Contact: http://www.metronews.ca/Vancouver/comment/lettereditor
Website: http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775
Author: Matt Kieltyka

EMERY HIGH ON UBCM MARIJUANA MOTION

The Union of B.C. Municipalities' support for decriminalizing
marijuana is a "turning point" according to activist Jodie Emery.

The UBCM voted in favour of decriminalizing the drug during their
annual general meeting in Victoria Wednesday.

Despite being mostly a symbolic gesture - since all municipalities can
do is lobby the federal government for change - Emery said having the
support of the province's mayors and council represent a change in the
debate on pot.

"It's definitely a strong statement that the UBCM have given the
federal government," said Emery, a Green Party candidate in several
elections and the wife of jailed "Prince of Pot" Marc Emery. "It
represents a change, where it's not just pot activists demanding the
end of prohibition. We're now seeing high-profile people in mainstream
and political arenas stepping up and adding their voice."

The UBCM resolution is just the latest show of support for
decriminalizing and regulating marijuana in the province.

Stop the Violence B.C. and Sensible B.C. are two growing coalitions
advocating for reform in the province.

Its members include law enforcement officials, current and former
mayors, academics and public health officials.

"I commend our municipal representatives for showing leadership in
taking steps towards changing a policy that has clearly failed to
protect the health and safety of our community," said Dr. Evan Wood,
founder of Stop the Violence B.C. and co-director of the B.C. Centre
for Excellence in HIV/AIDS' Urban Health research Initiative.

"Research to date indicates that a system for strict regulation will
best impede the illegal market for marijuana and combat the organized
crime gangs that profit from it."

Evans spoke at a UBCM panel session Monday devoted to the debate ahead
of the vote.
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MAP posted-by: Matt