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News (Media Awareness Project) - CN ON: Editorial: Marijuana Legislation Further Prove Canada Going to Pot
Title:CN ON: Editorial: Marijuana Legislation Further Prove Canada Going to Pot
Published On:2004-11-03
Source:Sentinel Review (CN ON)
Fetched On:2008-01-17 19:57:59
MARIJUANA LEGISLATION FURTHER PROVE CANADA GOING TO POT

Something stinks in Ottawa and we're not talking about the winds of change
blowing on Parliament Hill.

No, that foul - or sweet - smell in the air on Monday was coming from
midnight tokers celebrating the Liberal government's reintroduction of
legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

In making the announcement, Justice Minister Irwin Cotler said the
government is not legalizing marijuana possession but instead ensuring
those in possession of small amounts would not be subjected to a criminal
record.

"Possession and consumption of marijuana is illegal and will remain
illegal," Cotler stressed.

However, what Cotler - and the governing Liberals - fail to understand is
the kind of grey area created by such legislation.

While no one disputes the effectiveness of marijuana on those afflicted by
some illnesses - one of the main reasons the Liberals are pushing hard to
ensure its passage - decriminalizing small amounts of the drug will lead to
increased usage. Taking away severe punishment can only lead to more people
indulging in the activity.

It's the same reason law enforcement officers have been scrambling in
recent days, to try and come up with new controls, including roadside
checks, to ensure that drivers are not "under the influence."

Cotler's decision to move forward with Bill C-17 also flies in the face of
the Supreme Court, which in December 2003 agreed that any possession of
marijuana should remain a criminal offence. In making its decision, the
highest court ruled 6-3 that making marijuana possession a criminal offence
does not violate the Charter of Rights.

It's time for government to stand up and protect existing laws.

Changing the rules of this land, for political reasons, is not the way to
manage the country's affairs.
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