GOV'T NOT HIGH ON LEGALIZED POT

A Senate committee's call to have marijuana legalized and sold to
people as young as 16 received a cold response from the provincial
government and the Opposition Thursday.

Health Minister John Nilson said the Senate report is a contribution
to the public debate about the proper use of marijuana. But he said it
would be difficult for the government to support the decriminalization
or legalization of weed just after introducing tough anti-tobacco
legislation.

That law, which came into effect earlier this year, prohibits the
display and advertising of tobacco in public areas frequented by
children. It's being challenged in court by a tobacco company.

"We have so many problems with addictions of various kinds and with
young people," Nilson said during a conference call with reporters.

"I think we have to be very careful how we look at this issue. There
are so many other issues tied up with this particular one. I think as
a society we're not ready to take a step."

The Senate committee report, released Wednesday, recommends that
marijuana and hashish production and use be regulated by the
government. The committee, which studied cannabis use for two years,
says the drugs should be available for legal consumption by any
Canadian resident over the age of 16.

The report, which was condemned by the Canadian Police Association,
also called for an amnesty for any person who has been convicted of
cannabis possession under current or past legislation.

Earlier this year, federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said the
government will take a serious look at decriminalizing marijuana,
which means people would be fined for the possession of dope rather
than face a criminal charge.

Saskatchewan's Justice Minister Chris Axworthy says the provincial
government doesn't yet have an official position on the issue, but it
will develop one soon, guided in large part by the views of residents,
he said.

"My guess is that Saskatchewan residents would not support
decriminalization or legalization of marijuana and those are the
people we should listen to," he said.

Nilson pointed out the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has voiced
concern about the medicinal use of marijuana until more research is
completed. However, the CMA does support the decriminalization of
marijuana if it is accompanied by a national "cannabis cessation" program.

Saskatchewan Party Leader Elwin Hermanson said his party doesn't
support the legislation of marijuana.

"In a world where we're trying to discourage young people from smoking
tobacco, we would certainly see it as a step in the wrong direction,
especially for people as young as 16."

Hermanson said the issue of decriminalization is worthy of debate, but
the Sask. Party has no position on that issue.

The fact that politicians weren't leaping to endorse the Senate report
didn't surprise Saskatoon businessperson Mike Spindloe, who fought a
four-year legal battle against the country's drug paraphernalia laws.

He said politicians have always been reluctant to move on the issue. A
government-appointed committee recommended the legalization of
marijuana more than 30 years ago, he noted.

Spindloe said court cases working their way through the system may
eventually force Ottawa's hand. One of the cases prompted the
government to begin growing marijuana for medicinal use at an old mine
site located at Flin Flon, Man.

Saskatoon Humboldt MP Jim Pankiw, who in the past has said
decriminalization should be closely considered, said Thursday a
mailout survey of his constituents revealed 75 per cent supported the
decriminalization or legalization of marijuana.

"The concern that anybody would have is that smoking isn't healthy,
whether it's tobacco or marijuana," said Pankiw, who declined to state
his position on legalization.

There was mixed opinion on the Senate report among members of the
public interviewed Thursday.

"I think the age (16) is too young, but I think it (legalization) will
reduce trafficking and clean it up," said Adam Giberson, 52.

"I don't buy this idea that it will lead to hard drug
use."

But other people were concerned about making marijuana more accessible
to young people who are already tempted by alcohol and tobacco.

"I just think legalizing it will create more problems for young
people," said Verlie Holmen, 53.

Craig Peter, 24, said loosening up the marijuana laws makes sense if
the public is protected.

"It doesn't bother me as long as they do something along the lines of
drinking and driving. You can't allow people who are stoned to drive."