POLICE CHIEF AIRS CONCERNS ABOUT POT LAW

Proposed Federal Legislation Needs Stronger Anti-Drug Message: Algar

The federal government's proposed changes to marijuana legislation through
the Cannabis Reform Bill represent steps in the right direction, says Ean
Algar, Halton's police chief. But the region's top cop has some serious
concerns about aspects of the proposed legislation.

"I like some of the things the government put forward but I'd like to see
that it all comes together where the message is it isn't good to take
drugs, drugs are still bad," Algar said.

The Cannabis Reform Bill was announced late last month by Martin Cauchon,
federal justice minister. If passed, the bill would introduce softer
penalties for possessing small amounts of the drug and increase penalties
for growing operations.

Those caught in possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana will be issued
a ticket and not be charged criminally. Fines differ for adults and minors.
The maximum amount an adult can be fined is $150, while minors younger than
18 will get a $100 ticket and their parents/caregivers will be informed.

Fines jump to $300 for adults and $200 for youths for cannabis resin
(hashish) possession.

Fines increase based on aggravating factors. For instance if someone is
caught with less than 15 grams of pot while committing an indictable
offence or driving a vehicle, the fines jump to $400 for adults and $250
for minors.

Police will be allowed to use discretion in deciding whether to ticket or
charge a person caught possessing 15-30 grams of pot. Fines for adults in
this situation would be $300, while minors would be ticketed for $200.
Maximum sentencing for a summary criminal conviction in these cases would
be six months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.

Those who run hydroponic growing operations -- a phenomena that has become
increasingly popular in Halton over the past two years -- could really be
hit by the new law. The new legislation created different offences
depending on the size of the growing operation.

growing 1-3 plants could net a suspect a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a year
in jail

growing 4-25 plants could net a suspect a fine of up to $25,000 and/or 18
months in jail

growing 26-50 plants could result in a 10-year jail sentence

growing more than 50 plants could result in a sentence of up to 14 years in
jail. Algar likes that the federal government is acting to reduce demand
for drugs but is less than thrilled with the proposed legislation for a
number of reasons. He said police hoped the decriminalized amount (15
grams) would be less and says people shouldn't be fooled into thinking pot
is a harmless narcotic.

"We had recommended it be a smaller amount (because) of increased potency,"
he said. "The active ingredient used to be about two per cent. Now it's up
to somewhere in the neighbourhood of 15 per cent. So it's more active as
far as the psychotic effect of the drug."

The chief is pleased the legislation aims to severely punish those who grow
marijuana but says more still needs to be done to convince growers it's not
worth it for them to manufacture drugs.

"I would hope the courts recognize the severity and profit potential and
the courts give sentences that are more meaningful," he said. "We have to
work to present that information to the courts but in turn the courts have
to put out sentences that take away the profit effect of this. We're
talking several millions of dollars here in Halton alone."

Algar is also concerned that lax possession charges could increase pot use
and in turn potentially increase impaired driving occurrences.

Halton's health department has not taken an official stance on the proposed
legislation. Josee Coutu, manager of the department's injury, violence and
substance abuse prevention program, said Halton is instead focusing on
informing residents of the potential health risks associated with drug use.

"Our position is people should have information that marijuana is not
harmless," she said.

That message plus promoting an anti-smoking and driving policy and
informing residents of the potential dangers of mixing pot with alcohol
form the crux of the department's health policy on pot.

The federal government hopes to pass the new bill by the end of the year.