RCMP SAY LAW WOULD FREE UP POLICE TIME

Legislation proposed last week by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon to
decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, may just free some
time for local law enforcers, according to police officials.

The legislation, if passed, would decriminalize possession of up to 15
grams of pot, making it a ticketable offense rather than something that
could give users a criminal record.

However, the new law also proposes stiffer sentences for growers and
dealers of marijuana.

The government has pledged $250 million for a five-year education and
enforcement program to alleviate fears that the 'decriminalization' would
increase pot use in Canada.

"Let me be very clear. We do not want Canadians using marijuana," said
Health Minister Anne McLellan. "Make no mistake, marijuana is harmful and
it will remain illegal."

Fines for possession of small amounts of weed would garner offenders fines
of $150 to $400 for adults, and $100 to $250 for teens.

Staff Sergeant Hilton Haider of the Whistler RCMP detachment said the
proposed legislation would free up some manpower usually busy with
paperwork resulting from arrests for small amounts of marijuana.

"It usually takes about four to six hours to complete the process once we
bring someone in for possession," he said. "If we can simply hand out a
ticket, then we can have more members out patrolling the Village."

The RCMP have supported the initiative at the federal level.