KEEP POT CRIMINAL: COUNCIL

Vaughan wants Ottawa to put the brakes on plans to decriminalize
marijuana.

"This is an issue that needs to be elevated," said Councillor Joyce
Frustaglio, who convinced council to call on the federal government to
abandon its plans.

"I hope you will take the time to look at the horrific effects,
especially on our young people."

The Liberals introduced legislation last November which would
decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

But Health Canada recognizes the short and long-term health hazards of
cannabis use, Ms Frustaglio said.

Studies show regular use can cause similar health problems as smoking
cigarettes, exposing users to more than 4,000 chemicals, she added.

The use of marijuana among Ontario youth has increased to 29 per cent
in 2003, up from 10 per cent in 1991 and research indicates two-thirds
of students report it is easily accessible.

The Ontario Drug and Alcohol Treatment Registry says marijuana is the
number one substance for which youth are seeking treatment, Ms
Frustaglio said.

"If you decriminalize cannabis, all you're saying is it's OK to smoke
marijuana and it's not OK to smoke cigarettes because we're now a
smoke-free province," she added.