Pubdate: Mon, 05 Oct 2015
Source: StarPhoenix, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2015 The StarPhoenix
Contact: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/400
Author: Jason Warick
Page: A1

CONFERENCE-GOERS HOLD VARYING VIEWS ON POT LEGALIZATION

Those attending a Saskatoon marijuana conference favoured a 
relaxation of laws against pot possession, but their views on 
complete legalization were mixed.

A wide range of opinions also emerged about whether pot is a major 
issue for them in this month's federal election. Some will cast their 
ballot on that issue, while others believe it's insignificant 
compared with health care, the environment or the economy.

"This needs to be looked at, but it's a side issue," said Colton 
Buhr, one of an estimated 3,000 people who came through the doors of 
O'Brians Events Centre over the weekend for the Prairie Harvest Medicinal Cup.

Others say it is a big deal, with implications for the health and 
justice systems, as well as the economy.

"Stop locking up people for the victimless so-called crime," said 
event organizer Jeffrey Lundstrom.

The conference featured trade show booths, joint-rolling contests and 
information on how to become a licensed grower or medicinal user. 
Each of the three major federal political parties has staked out a 
distinct position on marijuana in advance of the Oct. 19 election. 
Conservatives say they'll continue to allow pot for medicinal use, 
but want to keep pot possession listed as a criminal offence. They'd 
also like to tighten the types of operations that can grow it 
legally. The NDP favours immediate decriminalization for pot 
possession, as it has for many years. Those caught would still be 
subject to a fine or other non-criminal sanction. Liberals say they 
would legalize marijuana use for all adults, not just for those with 
medical conditions.

Lundstrom said he's voting for the Liberals largely because of the 
legalization promise, although he noted former Liberal prime minister 
Jean Chretien also promised to relax pot laws and never did.

Breeder and licensed vendor Ryan Murray of Regina would like to see 
pot totally legalized, but said decriminalization would at least be a 
start. Ruining the lives of people who consume a product no worse 
than alcohol or tobacco is senseless, he said.

"It'd be good to have even small steps," he said.

Murray was given a criminal record 15 years ago when caught with four 
grams of pot. He couldn't travel to most countries and job prospects 
were slim. He obtained a pardon after two years of work and expense. 
He still cannot travel without a search and extensive questioning at borders.

Not everyone at the conference believed legalization without 
restriction was the answer.

"It should not be a criminal offence, but it should be regulated," 
Tara Lee Winters said.

She favoured a system similar to government liquor stores or bars, 
where the amounts are limited and amounts purchased can be controlled.

She said decriminalization will eventually happen because the 
benefits of marijuana for a variety of ailments is beginning to be understood.

"It helps a lot of people," she said.

Studies on the health effects of marijuana use are mixed. While 
cigarette use has declined in recent decades, marijuana use has remained stable.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom