MARIJUANA: IMPLICATIONS OF LEGALIZATION

Nearly 600,000 Canadians have a permanent criminal record -- similar to
murderers and rapists -- due to simple possession of marijuana. And our
federal government and provincial governments spend between
$300-500-million of taxpayers' money a year to enforce this law.

That's why there has been an active campaign to decriminalize marijuana in
this country. Decriminalization is supported by organizations such as the
Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Canadian Centre on Substance
Abuse and Canadian Bar Association. Even the federal government is finally
starting to consider decriminalization.

Decriminalization of marijuana is a very different issue from the
legalization of marijuana. Decriminalization means that although the
substance is still illegal, you would only receive a small fine rather than
the much harsher measure of a permanent criminal record. Legalization means
that there would be no prohibition against marijuana usage, similar to
alcohol and tobacco.

Average Canadians seem to be in favour of a change in government policy
concerning marijuana. For example, a May 2000 Compas poll found that 65 per
cent of respondents felt that decriminalizing marijuana was an "excellent,"
"very good" or "good" idea.

But recently, the Senate committee on illegal drugs, led by Tory Senator
Pierre-Claude Nolin, unanimously called for the legalization of marijuana
for all Canadian citizens aged 16 years and over.

This Senate legislation threatens to take the issue of marijuana beyond
decriminalization to legalization, which raises two concerns. It goes
further than a majority of Canadians ever wanted to go on this issue and it
threatens to exacerbate our border problems with the U.S.

First, the potential legalization of marijuana could lead to the drug being
sold in government-run stores and possibly in corner stores on the same
shelves as tobacco. It will become very easy for teenagers, for instance,
to purchase marijuana at nearby locations and possibly bring the drug to
school grounds to share with their friends.

And increased sales of marijuana could potentially lead to real health
concerns for Canadians. As the Canadian Medical Association -- which
supports decriminalizing marijuana -- pointed out, the health effects of
moderate marijuana use is "minimal" for the estimated 1.5 million
recreational users.

If marijuana is legalized in Canada, however, the number of regular users,
rather than moderate or recreational, could become a substantial number.
And the health concerns for extensive -- rather than minimal -- use of
marijuana will cause further problems and new expenses for the Canadian
health care system.

Second, the Senate's proposal to legalize marijuana should be a concern for
Windsor residents, especially during this critical period of time when
Canada should be doing everything possible to reduce traffic tie-ups at the
border.

U.S. Office of Drug Control Policy director John Waters has already
expressed very serious concerns about border security if Canada decides to
legalize marijuana. As Waters recently told the media, it would be naive of
the U.S. "to ignore the fact that drugs don't respect borders."

And Waters hinted that the U.S. could further tighten its border security
with Canada. This would mean slower traffic for Windsor residents who use
the bridge and tunnel.

For all the potential risks and problems associated with the legalization
of marijuana in terms of health concerns and an open border, our federal
government should make it clear to our neighbours that the Senate proposal
will not be supported.