POLICE SWEEP TAKES CLOAK OFF HIGH TIMES

So, you enjoy dabbling in marijuana, eh?

It's just a hangover from your college days, right? Weekend
recreation. Nothing serious.

You're not hurting anyone and you've got the scientific data that
proves smoking a joint is no worse than tipping a few lagers.

You're not alone.

Just ask York Regional Police.

They announced Friday that 23 people had been charged with
drug-related offences during a late-winter sweep through
Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Most took place in Stouffville. Most facing charges are local
residents.

They're a mix of youths and adults, male and female. They're our
neighbours.

And while no names were released, a scan of recent charges (click on
the Media Majors file on yrp.ca) shows locals into their 50s facing
cannabis-related charges.

We shouldn't be surprised. Those rolling papers sold at the corner
store won't all wrap tobacco. And just where does all the product from
those York Region grow-ops wind up?

I walked into a cloud in a washroom at the Stouffville Arena last
month and thought I stepped into a Jimmy Buffett concert, circa 1977.
That pungent odour that permeated college parties lives on like a
Cheech&Chong routine.

A lingering problem is that despite the efforts of everyone from
Pierre Trudeau to Joe Clark, marijuana has not been de-crimnilized in
this country, save for those with medical exemptions.

A conviction from that docket full of charges laid here this winter
could hurt your chances of getting into college, getting that new job
or getting across the border.

Up in smoke, eh?

Jim Mason is editor of The Sun-Tribune. .