Pubdate: Thu, 14 Jan 2016
Source: Oshawa This Week (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 Oshawa This Week
Contact:  http://www.durhamregion.com/oshawa-on-news
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1767
Page: 6

MARIJUANA STUNT GOES UP IN FLAMES

Mailing pot to MPs won't have the desired impact

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to legalize marijuana, we
just don't know when.

The marijuana advocates must feel like he's taking too long for their
liking given the recent stunt by pot activist Dana Larsen, who sent a
special package to the 184 Liberal politicians, including MPs in
Durham and Northumberland. The manila envelopes sent to the MPs
contains his and illustrator Patrick Dowers' new book Cannabis in
Canada, the Illustrated History - as well as a gram of medical-grade
marijuana.

If the goal was to get people talking about the medical marijuana
issue, it's a noble idea but the tactic was flawed. What Mr. Larsen
did by mailing the marijuana was not legal and by the definition of
the law should be punished; we know that won't happen.

The legality surrounding the issue is a little tricky, mainly because
of various investigations that need to be done for such a small amount
of pot. Even if it could be proven who sent the pot through the mail,
the effort to prove it in the courts would be a waste of time and money.

This stunt will likely make people smile at first but in the end it
could undermine what the medical marijuana lobby is attempting to
accomplish. At least one area MP's office called the police to come
and pick up the contraband.

It's why this publicity stunt looks great in headlines and will draw
attention for a few days but will fade away as quickly as it was
dreamed up by the pot advocates. Mr. Larsen can't expect the MPs to
take him seriously as the move conjures up images of potheads sitting
around and hitting on this great way to effect change.

The only impact it will likely have is fortify the resolve some MPs
have against legalizing marijuana. The argument can be made that by
making a joke of the issue, the advocates are further strengthening
the stereotype that the pot lobby can't be taken seriously. There are
people who need the change in the laws and this undercuts their efforts.

Moving forward, the jokers need to step aside and let the legitimate
lobbyists do their job and convince the Prime Minister to move on
their issue. To do otherwise, could put all their work up in smoke.
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MAP posted-by: Matt