Tourism-battered Toronto is attracting new groups of visitors - pot smokers and gay lovers. "With SARS and all the related difficulties we've had in Ontario, this is ideal to bring hundreds of thousands of tourists here for the fine Canadian marijuana," said Vancouver cannabis crusader Marc Emery. He held a pot party outside Toronto police headquarters as dozens of revelers smoked their joints, bongs and pipes without being harassed. Canada's liberalization of marijuana possession laws and the acceptance of gay marriages have made the province the "freest jurisdiction in the western world," Emery said. [continues 584 words]
The courts are in a uproar. The cops don't know what to do. Life couldn't be better for tokers. When politicians do nothing, things get done. Thus, de facto, decriminalized pot is just a shade shy of being a fait accompli and Montreal lawyer Pierre Cloutier has this free advice for local tokers: a) if busted, plead NOT guilty; and b) call him*. Cloutier is going to court, and he has precedent on his side. In July 2000, the Ontario Court of Appeal declared the pot possession laws invalid but suspended their declaration for 12 months to allow Parliament time to change the law to accommodate medical marijuana users. Parliament did nothing in response, so two weeks ago Superior Court Justice Steven Rogin upheld the original ruling that marijuana possession laws in Ontario "no longer exist." [continues 945 words]
Festival Moves Up To Canada Weedstock is going north of the border this summer to escape the legal runaround in Sauk County. The pro-marijuana rally will join forces with the Planetary Pride Hempfest in Ophir, Ontario, from Aug. 22 to 24. Ophir is located outside Sault Ste. Marie, just north of the Canadian border above the upper peninsula of Michigan. With Weedstock's court case still under appeal, its director, Ben Masel, said the group decided to take the event to a place where the government isn't cracking down so hard on marijuana. Under some circumstances, it is presently legal to smoke marijuana in Ontario; the law there is being re-evaluated. [continues 429 words]
The federal government's proposed changes to marijuana legislation through the Cannabis Reform Bill represent steps in the right direction, says Halton Police Chief Ean Algar. But he has some serious concerns about aspects of the proposed legislation. "I like some of the things the government put forward but I'd like to see that it all comes together where the message is it isn't good to take drugs - -- drugs are still bad," Chief Algar said. The Cannabis Reform Bill was announced late last month by Martin Cauchon, federal justice minister. If passed, the bill would introduce softer penalties for possessing small amounts of the drug and increase penalties for growing operations. Those caught in possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana would be issued a ticket and not be charged criminally. Fines would differ for adults and minors. [continues 481 words]
America should follow Canada's planned decriminalization of marijuana People have debated the worth of marijuana for years, and the argument is still going on. Of the many questions asked are: Should marijuana be legalized in the United States? Is marijuana addictive? How harmful is marijuana to the human body? Recently, the debate has heated up because of America's neighbor to the north, Canada. According to Canada Online, Canada's Justice Minister Martin Cauchon has made it apparent that he will introduce legislation sometime in 2003 that will decriminalize small amounts of marijuana for personal use during the upcoming session of Parliament. This could be interpreted as a step toward legalizing marijuana, one that the United States should follow. [continues 598 words]
Convict Asks Canada To Help Fight Betrayal By French Officials Once considered one of the Montreal Mafia's most powerful drug-importation financiers, Marc Fievet was known for coming up with millions in cash overnight to bankroll smuggling plots the world over. These days, the French cocaine importer is trying to clear his name from behind bars with the sensational story that he was actually an undercover drug agent. In 1997, Mr. Fievet, 59, was condemned to life in prison after pleading guilty to a failed plot to import six tonnes of cocaine into Canada. [continues 798 words]
There is a huge sucking sound in Ontario, and it's not just delighted marijuana consumers hitting the bong. The sucking noise is coming from the huge legal vacuum into which the marijuana laws in Canada's most populous province have fallen. A succession of court rulings in the province have effectively nullified the marijuana possession law, unprecedented efforts by federal government lawyers to suspend those rulings have failed, and in the process government lawyers conceded what cabinet ministers have denied: Ontario has no marijuana possession law. While the government of Prime Minister Jean Chretien is moving ahead with a bill that would replace criminal penalties for pot possession with fines, it is unlikely to become law for months. [continues 1043 words]
Possession Charges Dropped, Trials Adjourned Pending Upcoming Appeal The appeal of a precedent-setting marijuana acquittal should be rushed through the justice system so the courts can have a clear answer on the drug's legality, a judge ruled Tuesday. Ontario Court of Appeal Justice Louise Charron expedited the appeal of a teenager's pot acquittal but refused a federal Justice Department request to stay the May 16 court decision. The stay would have prevented judges in Ontario -- and perhaps judges across Canada -- from following a new precedent set by Superior Court Justice Steven Rogin. [continues 562 words]
Proposed Federal Legislation Needs Stronger Anti-Drug Message: Algar The federal government's proposed changes to marijuana legislation through the Cannabis Reform Bill represent steps in the right direction, says Ean Algar, Halton's police chief. But the region's top cop has some serious concerns about aspects of the proposed legislation. "I like some of the things the government put forward but I'd like to see that it all comes together where the message is it isn't good to take drugs, drugs are still bad," Algar said. [continues 649 words]
Crown Sought Stay Of Ruling That There Was No Legal Basis To Ban Simple Possession The appeal of a precedent-setting marijuana acquittal should be rushed through the justice system so the courts can have a clear answer on the drug's legality, a judge ruled yesterday. Ontario Court of Appeal Justice Louise Charron expedited the appeal of a teenager's pot acquittal but refused a federal Justice Department request to stay the May 16 court decision. The stay would have prevented judges in Ontario — and perhaps judges across Canada — from following a new precedent set by Superior Court Justice Steven Rogin. [continues 562 words]
Dear Editor: I find it laughable that Martin Cauchon qualifies the new legislative initiative to decriminalize marijuana possession by saying that it is not reasonable for marijuana users in Canada to suffer a criminal record for a "mistake" in not following the law. Somehow, I don't think the government will apply this reasoning anywhere else. If the police ever search a home, someone can leave 15g worth of marijuana on their kitchen counter and only get a ticket; I leave a 15 gram box of .22 shells on my counter and I'm the one who ends up with a criminal record. [continues 52 words]
TORONTO - For the first time in nearly 100 years, a major Canadian police force will no longer treat possession of marijuana as a criminal offense. In a statement Friday, Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino said recent court decisions and a bill in Parliament to decriminalize simple possession have left law enforcement authorities wondering "whether simple possession of marijuana is an offense at all." Reacting to such questions, Fantino said he has told his officers to stop charging suspects for simple possession of the drug. [continues 461 words]
Legislation proposed last week by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, may just free some time for local law enforcers, according to police officials. The legislation, if passed, would decriminalize possession of up to 15 grams of pot, making it a ticketable offense rather than something that could give users a criminal record. However, the new law also proposes stiffer sentences for growers and dealers of marijuana. The government has pledged $250 million for a five-year education and enforcement program to alleviate fears that the 'decriminalization' would increase pot use in Canada. [continues 136 words]
The Controlled Drug and Substances Act will keep marijuana illegal in Canada, but a bill has been proposed that would lessen the penalties for possession. Marijuana use is on the rise and the support for incarceration as a penalty is falling, according to a statement released by Health Canada, a department of the Canadian government that is responsible for developing health policies. The proposed plan would reduce penalties for those possessing small amounts of marijuana and strengthen penalties for those found to be growing or distributing. "They'll just focus on more serious offenses like trafficking and dealing," explained Sgt. Ed McNorton, spokesman for the Windsor Police Department. [continues 646 words]
There isn't much local politicians like about Ottawa's new marijuana laws. On Tuesday, Ottawa delivered a bill that eliminates criminal penalties for simple possession, while promising tougher penalties on growers. Now possession of up to 15 grams of pot (about 15 to 20 joints) would be punishable by a fine of up to $250 for youths and $450 for adults. Fines were the better option, said federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon. Most people got off with a warning, leading to disrespect of the law, he said in media reports this week. [continues 416 words]
U.S. critics of marijuana decriminalization in Canada are suffering from collective amnesia about the situation south of the border, where a dozen states have decriminalized it, a Washington-based lobby group says. "There seems to be a terrible lapse of memory here," said Allen St. Pierre, executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. U.S. officials, including John Walters, White House director of drug-control policy, have said that liberalizing marijuana laws in Canada will result in more pot crossing the border and will increase drug use. [continues 741 words]
Ottawa's proposed new laws on marijuana are obscured in clouds of smoke, as the government spins its wheels trying to go in two directions at the same time. On one hand, the laws decriminalize simple possession of marijuana. Getting caught with less than 15 grams of pot would result in a ticketed fine ranging anywhere from $100 to $400, depending on age and circumstances. The offender would not appear in court, or receive a criminal record. Justice Minister Martin Cauchon says the revised laws do not mean the federal government is encouraging marijuana use. In fact, he says the message is the opposite, since in the past simple possession of pot often resulted in just a warning from police. Most police officers and many parents remain unconvinced of the "new" message, insisting a ticket is no deterrent. [continues 207 words]
The federal government's proposed overhaul of the Criminal Code to reduce penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana could mean increased crime and higher policing costs, Mayor Lois Jackson and police spokesperson Const. Sharlene Brooks warned. The amended law, unveiled in Ottawa last Tuesday by federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, would reduce the punishment for possessing small amounts of pot to a ticketed fine, which would not result in a criminal record. At the same time the law would double the maximum possible prison term for running a marijuana grow operation from seven to 14 years. [continues 258 words]
Judge's Stay Of Possession Charges Throws System Into Chaos - Crown A judge's decision that questioned the validity of charging someone for possessing under 30 grams of marijuana will be appealed this fall. On Thursday, Justice Elizabeth Roscoe of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal set aside Nov. 25 for the appeal, which may become moot if Canada's laws over marijuana possession change before then. November was the earliest the Appeal Court could hear this case. In March, Dartmouth Provincial Court Judge Flora Buchan stayed a possession charge against Paula Clarke, 29, of Minesville Halifax County. [continues 368 words]
Candidates All 'Experimented' in Younger Days Current State of Pot Laws Confusing to Authorities Toronto's five major mayoral candidates have all toked -- but it was so long ago, most can barely remember those days. "I'm pretty sure any self-respecting student of the '70s at some point tried it," said former Liberal MP John Nunziata, 48. "This was the Vietnam era. This was long-haired hippies. That was the culture." But those in the '60s dabbled in it as well, including former mayor Barbara Hall, who said she was fond of going to clubs then. [continues 526 words]
Parking Tickets, Speeding Tickets . . . Pot Tickets? Proposed legislation announced this week by the federal goverment could see smaller quantities of marijuana penalized by fine instead of heading through the court system. Depending on the amount, the age of the person, and aggravating factors such as operating a vehicle, fines would range from $100 to $400. The move, announced simultaneously with a $245 million, five-year drug strategy aimed at reducing substance abuse, was quick to come under fire. "This bill is a poor excuse for reform of our laws," Langley-Abbotsford (Canadian Alliance) MP Randy White said, noting his party has said it was in favour of responsible decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis for personal use, with a maximum of five grams for non-criminal possession. [continues 477 words]
The federal government is doing the right thing with its very modest experimental step away from full criminalization of marijuana. Certainly, Canadian drug policy has fallen short of a complete handover to U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. Nevertheless, in the end Ottawa clearly tried hard to minimize the upset in Wasington. In fact, the decision to fine people caught with less than 15 grams of marijuana is still more punitive than laws in several key U.S. states including California, and eastern border states New York, Maine and Minnesota. [continues 627 words]
The federal government's proposed marijuana law is as dopey as a kilo of B.C. Bud. In an effort to please all sides of the pot debate, the feds have only succeeded in tabling a flawed piece of legislation that sends a mixed message to the public. Justice Minister Martin Cauchon and other supporters of the bill like to talk tough. Under terms of the new law, maximum jail time for pot growers will double from seven to 14 years. At the same time, the feds have pledged an additional $245 million over the next five years for enforcement and education projects to deter drug use. [continues 359 words]
The Free Press did a good job of explaining some of the facts of life in its Marijuana law reform editorial (May 28). The editorial ought to have made clear to readers the ramifications of doubling the penalties for "evil miscreants" like drug pushers and dealers. Putting the mom and pop operators out of business will leave consumers to the mercies of enterprising ruffians. This strategy will result in society having nothing but hardened criminals in charge of the distribution of high-demand products. Canadians will become a more battle-hardened citizenry as the body count of the ruffians and innocents mount. [continues 152 words]
The federal government wants to decriminalize the use of marijuana because the current law is unenforceable, but wants to get tough on growers and dealers. We asked your opinion and here's what you had to say: You've got a Prime Minister still living in the 60's. Why shouldn't the rest of you? -Rob Clark, Sarasota, Fl., June 2 I'm glad that Parliament finally had the guts to pass this long overdue bill. I don't understand the reason behind imprisoning people for victimless crimes. Sure, smoking pot isn't exactly healthy for you, but neither is tobacco, fatty foods, gasoline - not even the radiation from your computer monitor. -Natasha St. Amand, Toronto, May 2 [continues 2146 words]
Gangs Protect Their Marijuana Marijuana houses can be dangerous to your health in more ways than one. Detective Ian Calder of Peel's Morality Bureau said deadly traps are being discovered in pot houses in Mississauga. He noted that in recent years, officers and even residents have found traps in Mississauga homes set for the sole purpose of injury, and possibly death. Last year, investigators raided a Mississauga residence to find timers and wires mounted to a piece of plywood set above the side door. [continues 316 words]
Canada's Planned Decriminalisation Of Marijuana Is Opposed By The US And Some Domestic Critics, But Has Firm Public Support, Writes Anne McIlroy Monday June 2, 2003 Canadians caught with small amounts of marijuana will get fines similar to those handed out for speeding tickets under controversial proposed legislation. They won't go to jail, and they won't get a criminal record, which can make it hard to get a job or travel to the US. The maximum sentence under the current law is six months in prison, and Prime Minister Jean Chretien is determined to implement a less harsh approach before he retires next year. [continues 574 words]
Proposal Would Lessen Penalties, Establish Anti-Drug Campaign TORONTO - Canada proposed a new marijuana law Tuesday that would eliminate a criminal record for possession of small amounts while spending millions to spread an anti-pot message. U.S. officials have warned the move could lead to tighter border security to prevent more Canadian-grown marijuana from entering the country. Under the measure introduced in Parliament, getting caught with 15 grams - about half an ounce - or less of marijuana would bring a citation akin to a traffic ticket, not a criminal record. [continues 433 words]
I FIND it laughable that federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon qualifies the new legislative initiative to decriminalize marijuana possession by saying that it is not reasonable for marijuana users in Canada to suffer a criminal record for a "mistake" in not following the law. Somehow, I don't think the government will apply this reasoning anywhere else. That especially makes me angry for this double standard. If the police ever search a home, someone can leave 15 grams worth of marijuana on their kitchen counter and only get a ticket. I leave a 15-gram box of .22 shells on my counter and I'm the one who ends up with a criminal record. Maybe what mistake the government is trying to erase is the memory they gave us of their lousy leadership over the last 10 years. With the help of their new friend, herbal smoke, maybe it will be forgotten. I won't be smoking, or forgetting, however. Tracy Ohrt (The government seems to be more willing to forget some mistakes than others.) [end]
Some humbly suggested names for the new decriminalized bag of weed The smell of marijuana conjures house-party nostalgia for me, counter-culture memories of Tooker Gomberg passed out on some couch with a cloud of blue-grey smoke above him. The counter-culture bit is false. Smoking weed has become a more common ritual in Canada than praying or listening to classical music. I try not to partake because the drug makes me sleepy and paranoid about the potentials of governmental and intergalactic mind-reading, but I would sustain a sore foot or a nasty bruise on my left forearm to defend your right to smoke it in the privacy of your smelly home. [continues 562 words]
School officials are bracing themselves for more marijuana abuse among students once Ottawa eases the laws for pot possession. The Central Okanagan district is already struggling with students bringing pot, alcohol and cigarettes to school, says Supt. Ron Rubadeau. The number of suspensions for marijuana-related offences has mushroomed in recent years, he says. If students perceive the penalties for possessing weed are more lenient, the problem of toking and dealing it at school will get worse. "We're a little shocked the federal government would consider an action which can't benefit education anywhere," said Rubadeau. "This matter has got us gravely concerned." [continues 373 words]
The federal government is sending a bit of a mixed message to Canadians with this week's move to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, while increasing the penalties for those who grow cannabis and initiating a $245 million national drug strategy aimed at reducing substance abuse. In announcing the Liberals' strategy, Health Minister Anne McLellan stressed that "marijuana is harmful and it will remain illegal... we do not want Canadians to use marijuana." The good minister's words may sound firm and unequivocal, but her government's actions are anything but that. We think it's the actions that count, and what the actions say is, "A small quantity of marijuana for one's personal use isn't a big deal. If you're caught, we're going to slap you on the wrist and ask you politely not to do it again." [continues 373 words]
Legislation to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana won't be a free ride for offenders caught holding small amounts of the drug. Indeed, the impact is likely to be felt more acutely in the pocketbook than if criminal sanctions had remained in place. Under the legislation proposed by federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon this week, possession of up to 15 grams - about half an ounce - - of marijuana would be a minor offence carrying a fine as a penalty. Canadian Press reported that fines levied against youths could be up to $250, rising to a maximum of $400 for adults, and the amount could be greater for what the government considers aggravating factors, such as someone caught using marijuana while driving or while on school property. [continues 391 words]
Say Other Issues Have Greater Priority Backbencher Calls It 'Badly Flawed' OTTAWA--The government's push to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana is running into opposition from Liberal backbenchers, with some openly questioning Prime Minister Jean Chretien's wisdom in putting the issue on the public agenda. Others wonder whether the bill can be passed this year, given the already heavy legislative agenda in the Commons and the Liberal leadership campaign. Jim Karygiannis (Scarborough-Agincourt) was the most outspoken yesterday, suggesting the pot bill is one more reason Chretien should step down early. "After 10 years of being in power he's forgotten the dynamics of democracy, the dynamics of listening to the caucus," said Karygiannis. [continues 420 words]
Peter Goldring Says He'd 'Never, Ever' Try Doing What He Did in His Youth Edmonton Alliance MP Peter Goldring says he knows through personal experience why smoking marijuana and getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle is bad news. "Living in Toronto in the '60s and '70s as a young bachelor, you're nightclubbing, you're doing what everybody else is doing," Goldring told The Sun yesterday. "I was driving across the 401, after having smoked (marijuana), and realized the problems associated with trying to do that." [continues 302 words]
Ros Davidson Reveals How Moves to Liberalise Canadian Cannabis Laws Have Only Worsened the Already Strained Relations with Their Sensitive Southern Neighbours Flin Flon may soon have competition. The small town in Manitoba is currently Canada's cannabis capital. That is because Flin Flon is where thousands of 6ft-high pot plants are legally grown, deep in an old copper mine. The farm, not exactly an underground operation, sells its crop to the Canadian government for use in the official five-year medical marijuana programme. Cannabis can be used to dull pain or help those with cancer or Aids recover their appetite for food. [continues 961 words]
Local News - Legislation introduced by the Liberal government to decriminalize possession of marijuana does not go far enough for some. Justice Minister Martin Cauchon hopes to push the bill, introduced Tuesday, through parliament by year's end which would reduce the offence for possession of 15 grams of marijuana or less to a minor offence, as opposed to a criminal one. That would mean fines ranging from $150 to $400 for adults and $100 to $250 for youths. Robert Laperriere, who organized a march in Hearst, does not feel the proposed bill goes far enough. [continues 263 words]
The federal government's new marijuana bill and drug strategy will prevent police from using criminal discretion on small amounts of pot and the fines will not deter cannabis users, says Stratford's police chief. Legislation introduced Tuesday by federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon would eliminate criminal penalties for possession of 15 grams of marijuana or less, with fines set at a maximum of $250 for youths and $400 for adults caught with up to 15 grams of pot, approximately 15-20 joints. [continues 408 words]
For anyone looking for symptoms of the political bi-polar which has seized the national capitol in the dying days of the Cretien era, a good place to start is the confused federal Drug strategy unveiled this week in Parliament. Rarely have so many conflicting messages found there way into a single government initiative. The result is not pretty. The strategy purports to achieve zero-tolerance for marijuana with one hand while setting in motion the long overdue decriminalization of the substance with the other. [continues 731 words]
The decriminalization of simple pot possession shouldn't be taken as all bad news to those opposed. The federal government isn't going to legalize possession of pot. According to a Canadian Press story, under legislation introduced by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, possession of up to 15 grams of pot -- enough to roll about 15 or 20 joints -- would be a minor offence that carries no criminal record. Offenders would still face fines (from $100 to $250 for youths and $150 to $400 for adults). The proposed law does not encourage people to light up in public places, smoke a joint while driving or carry around home-rolled smokes. It would still be illegal to possess it in any way (other than with a medical exemption). [continues 220 words]
Federal laws on marijuana use today are a mess. They are unfairly applied and widely unenforced. If and when federal laws are "reformed" under the proposal introduced in Parliament this week, they will still be a mess. They will try to send two or three conflicting messages to society. They will, in fact, continue to reflect our conflicted and deeply polarized societal attitudes towards marijuana. They will, however, at the most important level, offer a promise of justice that is absent today, especially for young Canadians. [continues 636 words]
Some Possession May Be Decriminalized TORONTO - The Canadian government introduced legislation Tuesday to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana but set stricter penalties for those apprehended for trafficking in the drug. After more than a year of internal debate on how to change marijuana laws, the legislation marked a compromise between those in the Cabinet who see the drug as a minor nuisance and those who fear that anything approaching legalization would increase use by young people. The Bush administration has been vocal in cautioning Canada that Washington would be forced to increase time-consuming border searches if decriminalization of marijuana is enacted. U.S. officials say decriminalization would increase supplies and trafficking. [continues 364 words]
Canada's Liberal government introduced its long-awaited cannabis decriminalization bill Tuesday, paving the way for the elimination of criminal penalties for simple marijuana possession in the United States' northern neighbor. Under the legislation presented to parliament by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, possession of less than 15 grams (slightly more than a half-ounce) of marijuana would no longer result in a criminal record and would be punishable only by a fine. Fines would range from $65 to $160 dollars for teenagers and $90 to $250 for adults. [continues 1332 words]
Feds Look to Lighten Penalties for Pot Users, Get Tough on Growers The Liberal government moved Tuesday to eliminate criminal penalties for simple possession of marijuana, drawing praise from lawyers, cautious support from doctors and brickbats from police, opposition MPs and some of its own backbenchers. Under legislation introduced by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, possession of up to 15 grams of pot - enough to roll about 15 or 20 joints - would be a minor offence that carries no criminal record. Violators would be ticketed and ordered to pay fines ranging from $100 to $250 for youths and from $150 to $400 for adults. [continues 285 words]
Paul Samyn refers to Canada as "a country where possession of small amounts of pot will soon be subject to fines and not jail time." That's one intent of Justice Minister Martin Cauchon's proposed legislation -- paradoxically, it also increases penalties for larger amounts -- but one needs to take a look at the Canadian court system to see the big picture in the recently very turbulent world of Canadian marijuana laws. This past week an Ontario court affirmed a lower court's decision that Ontario's marijuana laws are not valid. This is because of a decision a few years ago that gave Ottawa one year to provide medical access, or there would no longer be any laws about marijuana at all. Ottawa tried, with miserable results: one crop was grown in a mine shaft in Manitoba, but none of the patients who applied to the program ever saw any of it. This recent Ontario court ruling throws things into a state of chaos -- the federal government is appealing again, but so far it's 0-2. If there are no laws on marijuana in Ontario, and possibly soon the rest of Canada, then Mr. Cauchon's proposal becomes not decriminalization but REcriminalization -- and unconstitutional, which the judges would undoubtedly point out if this new law makes it into their courts after they've thrown out the old one. [continues 135 words]
A cutting-edge plan - if this was 1968: Replacing the criminal charge for possession with a fine will change little, or nothing at all. Marijuana reform has been debated on and off for 30 years, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said at a press conference yesterday. The research is in. The reports are in. "Now is the time to act," the minister boldly declared. Or at least it sounded bold. Certainly the minister would like Canadians to think the government's plan is bold. And it would have been -- in 1968. [continues 1017 words]
OTTAWA (CP) - The Liberal government moved Tuesday to eliminate criminal penalties for simple possession of marijuana, drawing praise from lawyers, cautious support from doctors and brickbats from police, opposition MPs and some of its own backbenchers. Under legislation introduced by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, possession of up to 15 grams of pot - enough to roll about 15 or 20 joints - would be a minor offence that carries no criminal record. Violators would be ticketed and ordered to pay fines ranging from $100 to $250 for youths and from $150 to $400 for adults. [continues 944 words]
One commentator Tuesday called the federal Liberals' proposed new marijuana laws among the most confusing introduced in the House of Commons. And that they are, so much so that we doubt the proposed laws as they now stand will become law, by virtue of opposition from Liberal MPs and a short time-frame to enact the legislation into law. Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, fresh from his kowtowing visit to U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft to assure Big Brother that Canada is not necessarily abandoning the ludicrous war on drugs, has essentially drafted proposed laws that say smoking a joint or carrying a few joints in your pocket is no big deal, but growing the weed that fills the joints that sit in your pocket is a definite no-no. [continues 328 words]
Justice Minister Martin Cauchon should fire up a doobie and give his proposed new pot legislation a long, mellow think. Then bogart it. The bill, I mean. As is so often the case when politicians try to fix stuff, especially stuff that isn't hanging fire and doesn't require urgent attention, the federal Liberals have completely cocked it up, devising a jerry-rigged piece of law so illogical in design and contradictory in intent that it defies common sense. No faction in the public debate — if such a debate even exists — has been pleased by the legislation as tabled, which is what happens when politicians try to suck and blow at the same time. [continues 1067 words]
Parking tickets, speeding tickets . . . pot tickets? Proposed legislation announced this week by the federal government could see smaller quantities of marijuana penalized by fine instead of heading through the court system. Depending on the amount, the age of the person, and aggravating factors such as operating a vehicle, fines would range from $100 to $400. The move, announced simultaneously with a $245 million, five-year drug strategy aimed at reducing substance abuse, was quick to come under fire. "This bill is a poor excuse for reform of our laws," Langley-Abbotsford (Canadian Alliance) MP Randy White said, noting his party has said it was in favour of responsible decriminalization of small amounts of cannabis for personal use, with a maximum of five grams for non-criminal possession. [continues 477 words]
