CANADA'S POT PLANS WILL AFFECT WNY

Presently the nation's attention is on the war in Iraq and homeland
security. The United States has fought many wars, both foreign and
domestic. We have seen the "war on poverty" and the "war on crime." We have
always had the ability to successfully fight on many fronts. We have a drug
czar for the "war on drugs," and a new member of the Cabinet for Homeland
Security.

Limited resources, growing technology, changing laws and new
responsibilities challenge law enforcement. While police agencies continue
to provide traditional law enforcement services, many resources are being
focused on domestic terrorism issues. Erie County and New York State, being
located at a major international border crossing with Canada, now have two
additional concerns with our open border: security and the pending
decriminalization of marijuana use in Canada.

After decades of debate, our Canadian neighbors are presenting legislation
in their Parliament concerning the legalization of marijuana. In the
proposed legislation, a person in Canada could possess up to approximately
15 marijuana cigarettes and face only a fine; larger amounts could still
bring criminal penalties.

Why are law enforcement officials in the United States concerned? Marijuana
is the most widely used illicit drug in America. Of the approximately 16
million current illegal drug users, 12.2 million (about 77 percent) are
using marijuana. Our users are getting younger. In 2001, 84 percent of
those surveyed reported first using marijuana between the ages of 12 and 17.

Marijuana is stronger and more addictive now than it was 30 years ago.
Average THC levels, a chemical in marijuana, rose from less than 1 percent
in the late 1970s to more than 7 percent in 2001. Of those who try
marijuana at least once, nearly one in 10 becomes dependent. Of all
teenagers in drug treatment, about 60 percent have a primary marijuana
diagnosis.

So how does the proposed Canadian legislation affect Western New Yorkers?
First, we have a close relationship with our Canadian neighbors. We have
always respected their independence and culture. Their actions concerning
marijuana must not sway us into letting our guard down concerning the
supply and use of this illegal drug. There still is much debate in Canada
on this issue, much of it put forth by the criminal justice community.

Second, many citizens in Erie County take their families to Canada for
vacation or to enjoy a summertime residence. Should this change in Canadian
policy take effect, we will see a sharp increase in the availability of
marijuana within a 10-minute drive from downtown Buffalo. Parents of
today's teenagers are familiar with the present exodus on weekends of their
children, who are underage drinkers here, to Canadian establishments, where
the minimum drinking age is 19. This same age group of young Americans will
be a primary target for sellers of illegal marijuana, who soon may risk
lower penalties on the northern side of the border.

While we have little or no say in what our neighbors in Canada do, it
definitely will affect us. Do not assume that marijuana is any less
addictive or destructive because of its new status in a neighboring
country. Police intelligence information points to Canada as a major
exporter of high grade, high THC, hydro marijuana that can sell in the
United States for $2,500 a pound. This drug money flows directly to
organized crime or drug gangs. While every effort is made by law
enforcement authorities on both sides of the border to combat the influx of
illegal drugs, the Customs Service is still setting record seizures of
marijuana.

As the topic of decriminalization of marijuana in Canada is once again in
the news, I urge parents, grandparents, family members, educators and
coaches to use this opportunity to tell our youth the truth about marijuana
and its use.

Remember, it is still illegal in New York State. The possession of even a
small amount is a violation that will result not only in arrest but an
arrest record that will be part of a permanent criminal record - for life.
Larger amounts of marijuana in your possession are misdemeanors that can
result not only in arrest and a possible jail term but also the seizure of
the vehicle or water craft you may be in, whether or not it belongs to the
offender.

As your elected sheriff, I cannot stand by and let the legalization
movement of marijuana go unchallenged. I have shared a few statistics and
facts concerning this drug with you. Should you need more information,
visit the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's Web site at
www.whitehousedrugpolicy.com.

As a career law enforcement officer, I have seen first-hand the devastating
affects of illegal drugs to users and family members. As a parent, I
understand the peer pressure our kids are subject to on many issues,
including illegal drug use and alcohol consumption. It takes education,
enforcement and involvement of every citizen with police to address the
problems that illegal drugs pose in our society.

Whether in the United States or in neighboring Canada, our present policies
and practices will have long-term effects on young adults on both sides of
the border.