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. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt