Pubdate: Thu, 29 Aug 2013
Source: Chief, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Whistler Printing & Publishing
Website: http://www.squamishchief.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2414
Author: Dr. Paul Martiquet

A SENSIBLE CANNABIS POLICY

For many years, the default approach to marijuana has been prohibition.
That this has not worked well is beyond doubt and the time has come to
find a better approach. The answer, according to the group Sensible
B.C., is to decriminalize simple possession and redirect policing
budgets to more effective pursuits.

The reasons for decriminalizing pot possession are simple. First are
the cost savings as we spend less to prosecute people for simple
possession. In B.C., the number of possession charges has more than
doubled since 2005 - we should spend scarce budget dollars more
effectively. Public safety would be improved if police officers and
resources were focused on real crime instead of charging people with
possession.

Public opinion shows most British Columbians agree that possession of
cannabis should not lead to a criminal record; two-thirds support
marijuana being legally taxed and regulated. These views are
consistent in all regions of the province and among voters for all
parties.

Sensible B.C. is working to decriminalize the simple possession of
cannabis through the Sensible Policing Act.

(http://sensiblebc.ca/the-sensible-policing-act/)

The proposal would amend the Police Act to redirect all police from
taking action in cases of simple cannabis possession by adults.

Some may question the need for a change in legislation, but much of
what we think about cannabis in B.C. is misconceived. Many think
marijuana possession is "basically legal" in BC. Not true: B.C. has
Canada's highest rate of police-reported incidents for simple
possession of marijuana and B.C. police spend about twice as much time
and money as the national average on dealing with marijuana
possession. And the rate of possession charges in BC has been steadily
increasing for years, as has the cost to taxpayers.

The need for the Sensible Policing Act is made all the clearer when we
consider who is in favour of the change. We start with the Health
Officers Council of B.C., who state, "It is our view that all
psychoactive substances, including cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco
should be regulated from a public health perspective."

Supporters also include Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP),
four former B.C. attorneys general. Even the Canadian Association of
Chiefs of Police finds current laws unworkable. This month, the
association asked for the power to hand out tickets for illegal
possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Sensible B.C. is spearheading a referendum initiative that starts
Sept. 9. The goal is to gather 400,000 signatures. If they accomplish
this, there will be a referendum in 2014 to decriminalize marijuana
possession.

Dr. Paul Martiquet is Medical Health Officer for Rural Vancouver
Coastal Health.
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MAP posted-by: Matt