FEDERAL GOV'T TABLES DOPEY LAW

The federal government's proposed marijuana law is as dopey as a kilo of
B.C. Bud.

In an effort to please all sides of the pot debate, the feds have only
succeeded in tabling a flawed piece of legislation that sends a mixed
message to the public.

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon and other supporters of the bill like to
talk tough. Under terms of the new law, maximum jail time for pot growers
will double from seven to 14 years. At the same time, the feds have pledged
an additional $245 million over the next five years for enforcement and
education projects to deter drug use.

But, it's impossible for the feds to argue they are cracking down on pot
when the legislation also waters down punishment handed out to marijuana
users. Instead of contending with a criminal record, anyone caught with 15
grams of pot - the equivalent of 15 to 20 joints - will now only face a fine.

The Liberals are quick to reiterate that the new law does not - repeat DOES
NOT - make pot smoking legal. It will merely help streamline the legal
system by reducing court appearances while sparing those caught
experimenting with marijuana the hassle of a lifetime criminal record.

But that's not the message the public is receiving. By "mellowing out" the
consequences for small-time drug use, the government is sending the signal
that smoking a little pot is "no big deal," no worse than getting caught
speeding or driving without a seat-belt. There is even a discount if you
are smoking underage, with the maximum fine for youth only $250 compared to
$400 for adults. That certainly isn't consistent with the multi-million
dollar anti-drug campaign the federal government will be setting up in
tandem with the new laws. Not to mention the fact that at a time when
society is clamping down on cigarette smoking - especially in public places
- - the Liberals have decided to loosen up on puffing joints. In the end, the
mixed message the law-makers, in their infinite wisdom, have decided to
send is marijuana growing and trafficking is evil, but actually smoking pot
is nothing serious.

In the end, the law is going to put more profits in the hands of criminals
by creating the economic conditions for a more profitable drug trade.
Slacking penalties on users will undoubtedly encourage more people to
experiment with pot, creating more demand. At the same time, increasing the
legal consequences for marijuana growers will likely drive up the price
because the increased risk will provide dealers with an excuse to charge a
premium.

No wonder the federal government will have to spend millions on a public
relations campaign to counteract the damage.

Brilliant, Mr. Cauchon. Brilliant.