DRUG PROSECUTOR SEES MORE DEMON IN RUM

Federal drug prosecutor Doug Grace told visiting Justice D.G. Carr on
Thursday that at least once a month, a case makes him wonder why
alcohol is legal and pot isn't.

The latest case that had the Owen Sound lawyer wondering was that of a
46-year-old Wiarton man named Thomas A. Morris.

On June 9 police approached Morris and a buddy, who were walking along
the sidewalk on Berford Street in Wiarton, swearing, weaving and
stumbling. Both men were shouting and intoxicated.

Morris appeared disoriented and his friend held him up. They were
initially unco-operative with police and refused to provide their
names, Grace said.

Police arrested Morris for his own safety and lodged him in a cell
until he was sober.

That's when officers found two grams of marijuana in Morris' pocket.
On Thursday he pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice to
possession of marijuana and to being intoxicated in a public place.

Grace said Morris' criminal record "is horrible," but added the
presence of marijuana was so "benign" that he was undecided whether to
recommend an absolute discharge on the drug charge or a small fine.

"If he had been smoking dope, not drinking alcohol, he would be
sitting on the sidewalk giving everyone the peace sign," said Grace,
repeating a sentiment he's expressed before.

Grace said Morris has a problem with alcohol and recommended an
absolute discharge for the Liquor Licence Act charge of public
intoxication.

Carr said a discharge may have been appropriate, but not given Morris'
record. He fined Morris $50 for possession of marijuana and $100 for
public intoxication.

Grace said outside the courtroom that marijuana and all drugs are
dangerous. "But as far as what hurts society more, what caused the
police in this case more grief? The two grams of marijuana in the
guy's pocket or the booze he drank?"

Grace said people who smoke marijuana say it slows them down. "[I]
Haven't heard of anyone yelling and screaming at police after smoking
a joint."