Pubdate: Thu, 22 Oct 2015
Source: Huntsville Forester, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 The Huntsville Forester
Contact:  http://www.huntsvilleforester.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2430
Author: Roland Cilliers
Page: 3

CROWN QUESTIONS MARIJUANA ARGUMENT

Is smoking marijuana a gateway to harder drugs?

Crown attorney Peter Heath, who deals with narcotics matters in
Muskoka courts, said he felt compelled to make a comment on the
oft-discussed leafy green drug in Huntsville court on Oct. 14. The
court was hearing sentencing submissions on a Bracebridge man
convicted of theft whose defence attorney cited the accused's long
struggle with drug abuse that he said started with marijuana.

"He became involved with drugs at the age of 12," said defence
attorney Mallorie Malone. "He fell in with his cousin who introduced
him to marijuana and he said he became addicted to harder drugs at
about Grade 9 when he was 14-years-old."

Heath, who has been the crown on numerous drug-related matters in the
area, pointed out the story is not a completely unique one during his
sentencing submission.

"I have to make this comment: who says marijuana is not an entry level
drug?" asked Heath. "We've heard it again here today. I know people
say 'oh that's just anecdotal and everything' but we deal with it."
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MAP posted-by: Matt