Pubdate: Fri, 19 Sep 2014
Source: Observer, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014, Sarnia Observer
Contact: http://www.theobserver.ca/letters
Website: http://www.theobserver.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1676
Author: Neil Bowen
Page: A2

POT STILL ILLEGAL DESPITE POLITICAL TALK, TEEN REMINDED

A teenager caught with marijuana was placed on nine months probation 
with a Sarnia judge's reminder that despite politicians' comments, 
pot is still illegal in Canada.

The 19-year-old, from Lambton County, pleaded guilty Wednesday to the 
July possession of marijuana and violation of a court-ordered drug 
ban. The court was told that the teen had walked away when he spotted 
an OPP officer watching him. The officer drove around the block and 
the teen appeared to be meeting another young person. Both walked 
away as the officer approached.

The officer asked the teen if he had drugs, and the remains of a 
marijuana cigarette were found in a regular cigarette package.

The teen was under a court ordered drug ban due to a 2013 conviction.

Federal prosecutor Michael Robb sought a conviction and probation.

Probation, without a conviction being registered, was sought by 
defence lawyer Alicia Siebert.

The teen had been forthright when asked about drugs and it was a 
small amount, said Siebert.

There may be a great deal of confusion in society about marijuana due 
to politicians' statements, but it remains illegal, said Justice Mark 
Hornblower.

Federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair has said his party favours the 
decriminalization of marijuana, and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau has 
said he supports legalizing pot.

Hornblower granted the teen a discharge that will leave him without a 
criminal record if he completes nine months of probation, during 
which he must do 25 hours of community service.

It is the Observer's policy generally not to publish the names of 
people who have been granted discharges.
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