GRITS NO PARTY POOPERS

Federal Wing Backs Decriminalization Of Marijuana In Convention Vote

The federal Liberal party dished out some potluck goodies at its biennial
convention yesterday.

And one former cop with 30 years of experience with the Edmonton Police
Service liked what the Grits had on the menu - a resolution, which passed,
supporting the decriminalization of marijuana possession.

"I totally support it," said Chris Braiden, who retired from the city
police in 1992 as a superintendent and is now a consultant.

"I was a copper for 32 years. Never once was I in a fight where they were
high on marijuana."

He quoted a study that said cigarettes killed thousands of Canadians last
year while no one was killed by marijuana.

The Grits didn't go so far as to condone the sale of marijuana, defeating
another resolution to legalize the drug so that selling it would be
acceptable.

Last August, the Canadian Association of Police Chiefs proposed ticketing
people caught with pot instead of taking them to court. It was viewed as a
more flexible approach to drug enforcement, which would ease pressure on
the strained justice system.

Federal Justice Minister Anne McLellan is to speak to that group in Ottawa
today.

A manager at True North Hemp Co. Ltd., 10760 82 Ave., is glad the idea of
decriminalizing pot hasn't dried up but hopes the Liberals were serious
about the proposal.

"It's nice to see they're all talking about it and trying to raise
awareness," said Benjamin Currie, 21. "I hope it's not an illusion or
effort just to sedate people."

Currie said marijuana should be legalized and regulated similar to alcohol.

Decriminalization will mean pot smokers won't have to live in fear of being
caught, he said, estimating 90% or more say it's medicinal, whether it's
for relief from a serious disease or minor ailments.

"It (shouldn't be) a crime to carry a bag of a plant in your pocket," said
Currie, who finds marijuana relaxing.

"Working here I see all classes of life come through here - suits and rags.
Every one of them agree maybe it's not for everybody but it's a choice.
Mostly it's human rights. If pot was legalized today, the whole world's not
going to pick up a joint."

Alberta's New Democrat interim leader Raj Pannu was pleased the Grits
discussed the issue.

"I think it's about time we did something about it," he said. "A lot of
people use it for medical reasons. It's much less harmful than alcohol or
cigarettes. It's a good idea."

Mayor Bill Smith was also glad to see the feds making a move on the hot
topic, though he wouldn't take a position. "Minister McLellan needs to look
at this," he said. "I'd certainly encourage it."