STATE OF CONFUSION

Dear Editor:

At a time when the combined efforts of all levels of government seem to be
focused on creating healthier lifestyles, preventing smoking, getting
people off drugs and prolonging life, we are shocked that law enforcement
and the citizens of Ontario have been left in a state of confusion,
uncertainty and danger over the laws relating to the possession of
marijuana. A judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently ruled
that simple possession of marijuana is no longer an offence "known to law."
This decision is being appealed by the federal Department of Justice;
however, in the interim, Ontario Courts are refusing to hear charges of
possession of marijuana. While the federal government has been wrestling
with the notion of decriminalizing the drug, the courts have, in effect,
legalized the simple possession of cannabis in Ontario. The message created
by this court decision is disturbing. Police have been left with no
legislative authority for action as they strive to fulfill their duties to
serve and protect the citizens of Ontario:

a.. Drinking a beer while driving a motor vehicle is an offense, while
smoking a marihuana cigarette while driving is not!

b.. A 12-year-old cannot legally obtain a commercially manufactured
cigarette made of tobacco, but they can possess and smoke marijuana, even
within a school environment!

c.. While it is contrary to most city by-laws to smoke tobacco in public
places, it is not an offence to smoke marijuana!

Carnage caused by impaired drivers each year includes hundreds of victims
killed and thousands injured. There is no satisfactory process to assist
police to identify drivers under the influence of marijuana.

Evidence clearly indicates that organized crime is heavily involved in
marijuana grow operations in the neighbourhoods of our communities and in
the distribution of home-grown marijuana in Canada and internationally.
Violence in our communities is often a result of these lucrative operations.

Our communities require immediate resolve to this issue. To ensure the
safety of our communities, especially our children, the Ontario Association
of Chiefs of Police urge the citizens of Ontario to demand a speedy
resolution to this critical public safety issue by contacting the office of
the Prime Minister, the Premier of Ontario and your local Members of
Parliament.

Chief Thomas Kaye

President

Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police