PILLITTERI SAYS NO TO DECRIMINALIZING

Local News - NIAGARA FALLS -- Niagara Falls MP Gary Pillitteri is against
the decriminalization of marijuana because it would create more problems
than it would solve, especially for border communities like ours.

"I think we would be heading down a slippery slope if we started with the
decriminalization of marijuana," said Pillitteri.

"It would hurt us. There's the border issue. The Americans have said that
some things could slow down on that border and I don't think we need any
more additives working against us in the Niagara Peninsula."

If marijuana was legalized, he said, more Americans would be crossing the
border to purchase it in Canada.

"It opens the door to many things and I don't think that we, as Canadians,
are prepared to handle."

Pillitteri said not enough research has been done to know what long-term
effects marijuana might have on user, and he is concerned the change could
possibly open the door for the decriminalization of other drugs or substances.

"I personally have never smoked it, never inhaled it or exhaled it," said
Pillitteri, adding he has never asked his children or grandchildren if they
have ever tried it.

While some members of parliament have been vocal in support of the issue,
Pillitteri said he remains steadfast against it. He estimates perhaps half
of the Liberals might be in favour of decriminalization, and it will likely
also receive backing from the NDP and the Bloc.

"Living in a border city, and being a father and grandfather, I've never
condoned it and do not support it."

There are those who feel smoking any amount of marijuana is unhealthy, but
that possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana be treated as a regulatory
offence and not land someone with a criminal record.

Some legal experts have pointed out few people end up getting jail time for
simple possession of marijuana, but the stigma of a criminal record makes
it difficult when looking for work or when crossing the border into the
United States.

"I don't think we have thought this through enough," said Pillitteri.

There are those who have told him that smoking marijuana isn't any
different than someone having a glass of wine or a beer.

Pillitteri, who owns a winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, strongly disagrees.
He said there are ways to measure a person's alcohol content within their
blood system if they have been drinking and driving, but wonders how a
person would be tested if they were under the influence of marijuana.

"The government has also tried to grow different strains of marijuana for
medical purposes and they have not been able to control the standard."

According to one poll conducted in June 2001 by Leger Marketing, of 1,507
Canadians aged 18 and older who were asked their views on marijuana, 46.8
per cent were in favour of legalizing the sale and use of pot; 47.7 per
cent were opposed. Almost 40 per cent thought it would increase the use of
harder drugs and 38 per cent said it would decrease.