RELAXED POT LAWS CONCERN SCHOOL

School officials are bracing themselves for more marijuana abuse among
students once Ottawa eases the laws for pot possession.

The Central Okanagan district is already struggling with students
bringing pot, alcohol and cigarettes to school, says Supt. Ron Rubadeau.

The number of suspensions for marijuana-related offences has
mushroomed in recent years, he says. If students perceive the
penalties for possessing weed are more lenient, the problem of toking
and dealing it at school will get worse.

"We're a little shocked the federal government would consider an
action which can't benefit education anywhere," said Rubadeau. "This
matter has got us gravely concerned."

Under legislation introduced by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon this
week, possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana - enough to roll 15
or 20 joints - would be a minor offence punishable by a fine.

Youths could face fines from $100 to $250 for minor possession. Adults
could be fined $150 to $400.

Medical experts and academics are clashing over whether
decriminalization will spark more cannabis use among adolescents. Many
fear kids will light up at school more often and get into trouble as a
result.

"You come to school with alcohol or drugs, you're not going to be in
school," said Rubadeau. "You may get a (minor) fine down the street,
but we take it pretty seriously. We may be the only ones concerned
about it."

Last year, the district handed out 90 suspensions of 10 days or more;
27 of them involved students caught smoking or possessing marijuana on
school grounds. Many had enough on them they could sell it to others,
said Rubadeau.

More than 200 suspensions of two or three days were also drug-related.
Most of the offending students had drug paraphernalia on them or were
standing in a group sharing a joint, said Rubadeau.

Six years ago, the problem was far smaller. Ninety suspensions of 10
days or more were handed out, but only three were for drug use. There
were no pot-related suspensions of two or three days.

One reason for the proliferation of pot in schools today is the easy
access youth have.

"Students aren't getting it from the seedy character down the street.
They're coming from brother, sister, mom and dad. A larger number of
parents are looking at us, saying 'what's the big deal?'" said Rubadeau.

He's not alone in his concern. The schools superintendent in Kamloops
said pot-related suspensions have tripled in the last 10 years, and
easing up on possession laws won't help.

Educators agree stoned students are less able to listen, get motivated
and learn.

"You're under the influence of a substance that changes your
behaviour. Those who say they can concentrate better are like someone
who drinks too much and says 'I can drive,'" said Rubadeau.