MARIJUANA BILL STILL SMOKIN' UP THE HOUSE

Humber Security Continues To Take Marijuana Activity Seriously

Before lighting a joint in public, marijuana smokers should know Ottawa's
new bill to decriminalize pot is still just an idea being debated by the
House of Commons.

Until a decision is made, possession of an ounce of marijuana or less
remains a criminal offence.

Marijuana is an issue that Humber's Director of Public Safety and Security
Gary Jeynes, says the college continues to take seriously.

"We have had half a dozen individuals involved in this issue since the
start of the semester," Jeynes said.

Humber's security protocol is to alert police of drug activity, who they
investigate and determine if an arrest is merited. Since September, three
students have been arrested, two of whom were also charged with trafficking.

According to Toronto police drug squad Det. Steve Watts, it is up to police
to determine whether the offence warrants jail time or a slap on the wrist.

"If it was 30 grams or less, you could be subject to a fine not exceeding
$1,000 or a jail term up to six months, or both," Watts said. "Right now,
there are lots of maximums (sentences) and no mandatory minimums."

Jeynes points out that besides being illegal, smoking a joint on campus is
also against the Charter of Student Responsibilities and Rights. This list
of rules makes smoking pot a much more serious offence for Humber students.

"It's a contravention of the Charter. Within (the Charter) are a range of
measures anywhere from a warning up to expulsion," Jeynes said.

While Jeynes couldn't comment on whether anyone had been expelled for using
marijuana, he did say trafficking would be considered a more serious offence.

"Right now the majority of our efforts are focused on trafficking, grow
operations and harder drugs," Watts said in reference to Bill C38, which
would see the decriminalization of marijuana.

Watts added that many simple possession arrests are routine and do not
involve investigation.

Sergeant Larry Dee of 23 division warned that police will make arrests for
small amounts.

Dee if you are at a party and you pass a joint to someone, it is considered
trafficking.