MP ABBOTT FAVOURS POT REFORM DISCUSSION

It's time for a public policy debate on the status of marijuana, says
Kootenay-Columbia MP Jim Abbott.

While not calling for the legalization of pot, Abbott said the current laws
may be antiquated and not reflective on how society feels about the issue.

"Legally, there's a huge difference between simple possession and
trafficking and I realize that. But my own thinking is more towards
decriminalization than legalization," he said.

Decriminalization of marijuana wouldn't legalize it, but would mean someone
wouldn't be saddled with a criminal record for simple possession of pot,
Abbott said. Legalization of marijuana would take society in a whole new
direction, he said.

"Decriminalizing is one thing. But when you talk about legalizing, you
really start to blur the lines between simple possession and trafficking,"
he said.

Abbott said he's aware of the increasingly liberal attitude towards
marijuana and other soft drugs these days. Former Prime Minister Joe Clark
recently mused about the legalization of cannabis and the Marijuana Party
ran candidates in every provincial riding in the recent B.C. election.

Despite the more liberal attitudes, Abbott said he still has concerns that
so-called "soft" drugs like marijuana can act as gateways to hard drugs
like heroin and cocaine.

"Legalization of marijuana could lead to legalization of cocaine, heroin,
you name it. I don't think it's going too far to say that." As a result,
Abbott said he won't be rushed into taking a stand on the issue. "I have an
open mind on this, but I won't be rushed into a knee-jerk reaction," he said.

Abbott said one only has to consider the effect alcohol has on society to
realize the possible negative effect of legalizing pot. "I don't think
anyone would disagree for a minute that there is a tremendous society loss
due to alcohol."

Easy access to marijuana could create similar problems, he said. Abbott
said the effect of mood-altering drugs on society is a complex issue. As a
result, "the use of these drugs must be handled in a responsible way. "

The Canadian Alliance Party doesn't yet have a set position on such drugs
but is working in that direction, he said. "We recognize the marijuana laws
may need revisiting and that there might be a better way of handling
problems caused by mood-altering drugs."

But the Alliance Party is not writing a blank cheque for legalization of
soft drugs, Abbott said. "We're simply saying there has to be a discussion."