Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jan 2016
Source: Observer, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016, Sarnia Observer
Contact: http://www.theobserver.ca/letters
Website: http://www.theobserver.ca
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1676
Author: Neil Bowen
Page:

JUDGE SPEAKS TO POSSIBLE CONFUSION OVER MARIJUANA'S LEGAL STATUS

A Lambton County teenager caught with seven one-gram bags of marijuana
at school was placed on nine months of probation in Sarnia court.

The high school student pleaded guilty Thursday to the 2015 charge of
possession of marijuana for trafficking.

Marijuana will not be legal for people the same age as the high school
student, and trafficking won't be legalized, said Justice Mark
Hornblower regarding the continuing confusion over marijuana's legal
status in Canada.

In the December throne speech the federal government stated
legislation would be introduced to legalize, regulate and restrict
access to marijuana. No details about the timing have been released.

In Lambton, police were called to a high school because a staff member
believed the high school student was impaired by marijuana.

The teen had not been impaired prior to the lunch period.

The teen smelled strongly of marijuana and admitted to the staff
member and police that he had marijuana in his backpack.

There were seven one-gram bags of marijuana in a glass container,
along with a marijuana-smoking device.

Since his arrest the teen has undertaken rehabilitation with the
support of his parents, said defence lawyer David Stoesser.

The teen's actions auger well for his future, said federal prosecutor
Michael Robb.

A discharge or diversion from the courts was unavailable because the
offence occurred at a school.

The teen said he was ready to complete the probation
requirements.

During probation the teen must do 20 hours of community service but
substance abuse counselling was not imposed due to steps already taken
by the teen, said Hornblower.

In accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act the teen cannot be
identified.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt