DISCUSSING YOUTH ISSUES

Coleman Opposed To Decriminalization

B.C.'s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General does not want to see
marijuana decriminalized.

"A lot of people think if you decriminalize something, the problems will go
away, but it won't," Rich Coleman told a group of youth, business
representatives and municipal politicians on Feb. 2.

Coleman, answering a question from Jody Meyers, a Summerland-based drug
prevention counselor with Pathways Addictions Resource Centre, says
decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana would create many new problems.

For example, he expects the United States would close its borders and
restrict access if Canada chooses decriminalization.

In addition, there are numerous issues surrounding legislation, ticketing
marijuana offenses and the penalties for illegally manufacturing and
distributing marijuana which have not been addressed.

"They have not satisfied my questions on any of those things so I cannot
support legalization of marijuana," Coleman said.

He added that enforcing violations for possession of small amounts of
marijuana is proving difficult.

"Frustrating would be the kindest word I could use," he said, answering
questions from Sgt. Rick Bigland of the Summerland RCMP and Coun. Carla Wright.

In addition to marijuana, Coleman says his ministry is looking at ways to
stop crystal methamphetamine production by tracking the sales of the
chemicals used.

Coleman says this method has been used to monitor the distribution of video
games.

He believes it will work with production of the drug as well.