Pubdate: Sat, 27 Jul 2013
Source: Peterborough Examiner, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2013 Peterborough Examiner
Contact: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/letters
Website: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2616
Author: Sarah Deeth

MARIJUANA ADVOCATE HAS HEARD PROMISE BEFORE

Local Reaction to Federal Liberal Leader's Pledge to Legalize 
Marijuana in Canada

A local marijuana advocate is optimistic about the federal Liberal 
party leader's suggestion to legalize cannabis, but says it's a 
promise politicians have made - and broken - before.

Earlier this week Justin Trudeau, leader of the federal Liberal 
party, endorsed legalizing marijuana. That's one step up from the 
stance he took during a party policy convention in 2012, when he 
advocated for the decriminalization of marijuana.

Trudeau argued that taxing and regulating marijuana would be the best 
way to keep the green, smokable plant out of the hands of teenagers.

Al Graham, the founder of PACE (People Advocating Cannabis 
Education), said the Liberal leader made some valid points. Graham 
agrees that marijuana should be regulated and kept out of the hands 
of children.

An adult at a "CCBO" (Cannabis Control Board of Ontario) outlet would 
be prohibited from selling marijuana to youngsters, he said.

The people who sell marijuana on street corners and in back alleys 
don't ask for identification, he said.

But he pointed out that it's a topic the Liberals have raised before. 
Graham said the party has been discussing the issue since the 1970s.

There have been a lot of leaders who have advocated for marijuana 
decriminalization or legalization in the past, he said, leading 
advocates and activists on in a bid to solicit votes.

"Then in the end it doesn't happen," Graham said.

But he was optimistic that things would be different with Trudeau. 
The Liberal leader has laid out his argument in a high profile, 
public forum and Graham said many would be quick to hold him to his word.

Graham would like to see marijuana regulated like alcohol. Users 
could produce their own plants, in the same way people can make their 
own beer or wine, or buy it from a government-controlled retailer. He 
acknowledged that there are pros and cons to the issue, but said it 
was time for an educated, insightful discussion on the topic.

"It's a conversation the country needs to have," Graham said.

Conservatives have taken a hard line when it comes to marijuana. A 
spokesperson for Justice Minister Peter MacKay responded to Trudeau's 
announcement by stating that marijuana is illegal because of the harm 
it does to individuals and society.

But Trudeau isn't alone in his call to eliminate the penalties 
surrounding pot use.

The Green Party of Canada endorses the idea of legalizing marijuana 
for adult consumption, taxing pot on a scale similar to tobacco and 
regulating the product. The NDP has called for the decriminalization 
of marijuana.

Last year two American states, Colorado and Washington, legalized the 
recreational use of marijuana. Several states have decriminalized the 
possession of marijuana, making possession of small amounts of pot a 
misdemeanor offence.

City police communications co-ordinator Const. Keith Calderwood said 
the decision to legalize or decriminalize marijuana is a political 
issue, one that police can't comment on.

But it is the job of police to enforce the Controlled Drugs and 
Substances Act, he said.

If the ruling government includes or deletes a substance from the Act 
police will enforce the law as it stands, he said.

First time offenders caught with a small amount of marijuana usually 
get a discharge or are ordered to enroll in a diversion program, said 
Peterborough federal prosecutor Mauro DiCarlo.

A small amount of marijuana is usually defined in court as less than 
30 grams. Anyone caught with more than 30 grams could be charged with 
drug trafficking.

Second time offenders get fined, DiCarlo explained. According to the 
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, a fine for marijuana could be as 
high as $1,000.

In Peterborough court, second-time offenders are typically fined $100 
to $200, DiCarlo said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom