POT LAW GIVES WRONG MESSAGE

The Liberals have introduced Bill C-38, a bill to decriminalize possession
of "small" amounts of marijuana.

Instead of receiving a criminal record for possession of small amounts, an
individual would receive a "ticket" and have to pay a fine instead.

The threshold would be 15 grams, and police officers would have the option
of giving a ticket or making a criminal charge for possession between 15
and 30 grams.

It seems to me that we should not be giving young people the message that
smoking a little is OK. If you are not going to get hooked on marijuana,
tobacco, or alcohol, you have to say "no" at a certain stage. I believe
that it is easiest to say "no" to the first one -- the small amount.

Once you are into it, it is increasingly more difficult to quit.

This bill would make the fine smaller for younger people than older people.

What message does that send to our youth?

Those in favour of decriminalization argue that smoking a little pot is no
worse health-wise (or even better) than smoking tobacco. They argue that it
has little or no impairment effect. However, this is unknown. There has
been no long-term research done on continual use of the product by an
individual.

What is the effect on the lungs or the nervous system? There is no roadside
evaluation possible for persons driving after having toked.

We need stiffer fines and jail terms for those who produce this stuff. With
no set mandatory minimum sentences, we will still see penalties given at
the discretion of judges. In some cases, maximum penalties for growing
marijuana have actually been reduced. This legislation is great news for
organized crime.

Demand will almost certainly increase while the only sources for marijuana
remain illegal.

I would love to hear from you on this issue. Phone 467-4944 or e-mail me at
eppk@parl.gc.ca.

Ken Epp is the MP for Elk Island.