Pubdate: Thu, 08 Oct 2015 Source: Frontenac Gazette, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2015 Metroland Media Group Contact: http://www.kingstonregion.com/frontenac-on Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5538 Author: Craig Bakay WHEN IT COMES TO DIFFERING WITH PARTY PLATFORMS, THREE OF FOUR CANDIDATES GOING TO POT The first question at last week's Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston candidates debate in Sydenham, asked by host/moderator Jeff Green, was "name one issue where you differ from your party platform." Strangely enough, for three of the four candidates, it was on marijuana reform. Two of them wanted to see their party go further towards complete legalization while one wasn't so sure legalization was the best option, despite her party's stated intention. "I'm truly comfortable with the NDP platform," said candidate John Fenik. "But one thing I would speak up on in caucus is the legalization of marijuana (the NDP's policy is decriminalization, study and go from there). "Keeping it illegal hasn't stopped its use and has led to the formation of crime empires (and) there is evidence that medical marijuana has health benefits for many who are ill." "I'm also comfortable with the Green Party Platform," said Anita Payne. "But there is one thing I have a bit of an issue with - the Green Party wants to legalize marijuana but (as a former high school teacher) I'm concerned how it will be done. "Young brains are adversely affected by marijuana and you probably can't make legal age any higher than 18. "However, legalizing it would have one big advantage in that we could regulate its strength and distribution." "Like John and Anita, I differ with my party on the legalization of marijuana," said Scott Reid. (The Conservative stance has been the status quo - OK for medical use but not for 'recreation.') "Cigarettes and alcohol are just as dangerous as marijuana and they're legal. "When we tried to eliminate alcohol from society many years ago it was a huge disaster, leading to the formation of criminal empires and it's been the same with marijuana. "I don't think the legal age has to be 18, it could be 21 and I would want it to be a severely criminally punishable offence for selling or providing it to young people." Liberal candidate Phil Archambault was the lone rebel on the issue. He said he didn't "have any big concern" with any of his party's platform but "I will advocate for 42 amendments to Bill C-51 (Canada's recently enacted, controversial anti-terrorism law)." After the debate, when asked for his thoughts on marijuana reform, Archambault said that while he wished no kids would smoke marijuana, he did see a need to regulate its use more effectively. "It's a question of security, to get organized crime out of it and it's a question of quality," he said. "There are all sorts of things being added to marijuana to increase its potency and that's scary. "If we're able to control and regulate it, it will be easier to monitor and from a public health standpoint, that's a no-brainer, as is to re-invest any money the government gets from it into education." - --- MAP posted-by: Matt