IN OTHER WORDS - EASE UP ON CASUAL POTHEADS

The Senlis Council

An international drug-policy think tank welcomed Canada's long-awaited
move toward reforming cannabis laws, saying we're a step closer to
addressing problems related to our ineffective and costly policies.

The proposed legislation would amend the Contraventions Act and the
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, so that casual cannabis smokers
and young people caught with less than 15 grams of marijuana would not
face a jail sentence or a criminal record, but would receive a fine of
$150 for adults and $100 for youth. However, penalties for the
possession of larger quantities will be harsher than before.

Emmanuel Reinert, Executive Director of the Senlis Council, warned
that the proposed bill still contains deficiencies and will need to be
improved during deliberation in the House of Commons, expected in two
weeks.

An estimated 600,000 Canadians have criminal records for marijuana
possession. The Canadian Medical Association estimates that 1.5
million Canadians smoke it recreationally.

The council said the current system of criminal penalties for personal
use has not countered the steady increase of cannabis use among
Canadians, especially the young, and it creates large financial costs
for the criminal justice system, using funds that would be better
spent on health care.

"The Canadian government must not succumb to pressure from the United
States, which advocates the conventional tough line on drug use," said
Reinert.

"Canada must avoid being coerced into maintaining a system based on
the application of heavier criminal sanctions in order to deter drug
consumption."