POT LAWS FAVOUR TOKERS IN CITY

Solicitor General Says Cops Apply Law Differently

The federal solicitor general was on the defensive yesterday over proposed
changes to marijuana laws as he faced Canadian Professional Police
Association members.

Wayne Easter argued that the laws need to be changed because they aren't
being applied the same way across the country.

He claims that currently a young person caught with a joint in a rural
community would be charged, but a young person caught with a joint in a big
city would only be handed a warning.

"And that's the reality - the law currently isn't working," said the
solicitor general.

The bill to decriminalize marijuana, introduced by the federal government
earlier this year, will mean people caught with less than 15 grams of the
drug will face fines only, unless there's aggravating factors.

From 15-30 grams, it will be up to police discretion whether to issue a
ticket or lay a charge. Anyone caught with over 30 grams will be charged.

The proposed law also doubles the maximum jail sentence for illegally
growing marijuana to 14 years.

The maximum life sentence for trafficking in pot remains unchanged.

There will also be a prevention and education campaign.

"Marijuana is not legal and not legal under the new proposed bill - the
penalties are changed," said Easter.

"I do know that there is concern out there related especially to the 15
grams - is it too high? Is it too low? In fact, we're hearing it from both
sides ...

Tony Cannavino, president of the Canadian Professional Police Association,
said the group opposes decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of
marijuana.

"We're talking 15 grams - 15 grams is over 25 joints of marijuana. For
personal use, somebody could be arrested every day and get a fine with 25
joints of marijuana."