MP CARROLL SAYS NEW POT LAW WILL HELP CURB ITS USAGE

Canada's proposed marijuana decriminalization could make an incredible
difference for Canadians who want to travel, says Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford MP
Aileen Carrol. "It's not legal. It's decriminalized and that's an important
distinction. What this legislation proposes is a person who is caught with
simple possession, not trafficking or growing, with under 15 grams, it will
no longer be a felony. They will be fined," said Carroll.

"In being fined $100, it still constitutes an offence."

However, as a criminal offence, simple pot possession can still net someone
a criminal record - which can limit not only travel but career aspirations,
noted Carroll.

"That negatively impacts Canadians for whom it might have happened many
years ago, with regard to their travelling, school and work. We've had
several examples in our office in Barrie. One 50-year-old executive wanted
to take his children to Disneyland, but couldn't, because of an offence in
university. It was a minor offence, which gave this person a criminal record."

The pardon process is long and arduous, she noted, and most Canadians
wouldn't complete the process.

These issues are further complicated by an uneven application of the law
across the country, she noted. Setting a national standard is much more
just for citizens and more effective in controlling drugs.

"It creates consistency across the country. What's been happening is very
uneven. You might get a reprimand from a policeman, or sometimes you might
be charged and have a criminal record. There have been a variety of
consequences," said Carroll.

In decriminalizing simple pot possession - that is 15 grams or less - the
federal government is ultimately aiming to discourage the use of cannabis
with higher rates of enforcement by issuing tickets and fines, she explained.

Fines will be $150 for adults and $100 for youth, and those youths' parents
will be notified.

"I see it within our national drug strategy," Carroll said.

"I also agree with (stiffer penalties) regarding aggravating factors, such
as being near a school or use in a car. "

In decriminalizing simple possession, the courts can deal more effectively
with growers and traffickers.

Growing one to three plants will be a summary conviction, outside the
criminal system. Penalties would be at a judge's discretion, but could be
as much as $5,000 or 12 months in jail.

As the number of plants grown rises, so do the penalties. At the 26-plant
level, there's the possibility of 10 years in jail, and up to 50 plants, 14
years.

Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and Luxembourg allow for possession of
small amounts of cannabis. The Swiss parliament is considering legalizing
cannabis possession, and in France, an official directive advises
prosecutors and judges to avoid criminal charges.