FEDS NOT HOT ON POT

Decriminalizing simple possession of marijuana is an idea whose time
came almost four decades ago. In 1969, the Le Dain commission began a
long study of the decriminalization and legalization of several
illegal drugs, including marijuana. When it issued its report in 1972,
the commission recommended a transfer of legal matters relating to
marijuana from the Criminal Code to the Food and Drug Act. It also
suggested that simple possession be subject to a $100 fine, with no
jail time.

That recommendation didn't fly. Neither have subsequent efforts to
decriminalize simple possession. The last attempt died along with the
Liberal government. And it looks as though the Conservative government
isn't about to resurrect the Liberals' proposed legislation.

Indeed, the government intends to take a get-tough line on drugs,
including marijuana. Federal Health Minister Tony Clement says
marijuana is not a safe substance. The government's emphasis on anti-
drug education and prosecution will ensure that pot remains on the
wrong side of the law.

The Conservatives' stance represents a swing of the policy pendulum in
a matter on which the Canadian public is almost evenly divided.

This divide is reflected in the segment of The Daily News/Bristol
Omnifacts Research CityThink poll that asked for the public's opinion
on decriminalizing marijuana. Fifty-three per cent of respondents
supported decriminalization of the possession and use of marijuana.
That's a clear, but hardly overwhelming, majority.

Had the question concerned legalization rather than decriminalization,
support probably would have dwindled. There's a deeply entrenched and
vocal opposition to the notion of giving marijuana the same legal
standing as tobacco and alcohol.

Decriminalization is a reasonable compromise. It reduces possession
from a crime to a misdemeanour, which has less-drastic repercussions.
The substance remains illegal.

For now, the status quo will continue. The consequences of getting
caught with pot will depend on the policies of individual police
departments across the country. Those policies vary from strict to
laissez-faire, with no consistency.

And that's not fair to anyone.