POT LEGISLATION IN NEED OF REVIEW

Proposed Laws 'Disconnected:' Political Science Chair

If the Liberal's proposed federal legislation to decriminalize
marijuana passes, a review of marijuana cultivation laws is needed,
says a Langara College political science instructor.

Stephen Phillips, chair of history, latin, and political science at
Langara, said the issues are not directly in conflict, but the
government has been faulted for proceeding on one track.

"They're incompatible in the sense that on one hand, we're saying
[possession] is not a criminal offence," said Phillips. "But we're
saying meeting the demand through the production of marijuana is still
a criminal offence so there is definitely a disconnect there."

Phillips said toughening sentences on growers isn't the
answer.

"If they're going to liberalize the rules on possession, they're going
to have to do [the same] with production and probably allow for
different categories of production," Phillips said. "Loosen it up on
some extent while maintaining a hard line on illegal, unlicensed grow-ops."

The B.C. provincial government has proposed measures in the past to
counter marijuana production, including requiring hydroponic stores to
keep an equipment sale log.

Edward, who didn't want his full name printed, from California
Hydroponique, a Vancouver hydroponics supply store , said the measure
would be "a waste of money." He said it might initially affect
business, but believes the list would end up with a lot of "Marios
from Ontarios and Joe Blows from Idahos."

Political science student Kinney Butterfield said growers are a
problem, but there are bigger priorities.

"I think we do need to deal with growers, but there are much bigger
problems that are not being addressed in this province like
homelessness," Butterfield said.

If passed, the legislation to decriminalize pot, Bill C-17,would
penalize possession of small amounts with a fine instead of a criminal
record. Adults caught with less than 15 grams of marijuana, or about
30 joints, would be fined $150 and $100 for minors.