CITY PUTS ITS POSITION ON POT ON HOLD

City councillors want to know if the grass really is greener on the other
side of the fence before deciding where they stand on the decriminalization
of marijuana.

A motion tabled at City council Wednesday opposing Ottawa's plan to
decriminalize the possession of small amounts of pot was referred back to
staff for clarification on several points.

Council also wants to hear from Peel Regional Police Chief Noel Catney
before finalizing its position on pending marijuana legislation, which would
subject offenders to fines -- much like those doled out for traffic
violations -- instead of criminal prosecution.

While supportive of the referral, Mayor Hazel McCallion said her thoughts on
the federal government's move to decriminalize the drug are crystal clear.

"Decriminalization will result in more (marijuana) grow houses; that's my
opinion," said McCallion, adding information brought to Peel Region council
last week by high-ranking Peel drug cops has left her adamantly opposed to
the dropping of criminal sanctions for pot possession offences.

Inspector Dave Van Loosen and Acting Detective Sergeant Ian Calder told
Regional councillors the number of hydroponics labs in Mississauga is rising
dramatically due to the potential for profit and lenient sentences.

If decriminalization becomes the law of the land, said Calder, illegal pot
growing operations will become even more prevalent in the city.

In addition to decriminalizing pot, a bill to be introduced later this month
by Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon would also increase penalties for
those who grow and traffic the drug.

Federal Health Minister Anne McLellan warned that if simple possession is
decriminalized, the country could be in for an increase in marijuana use, at
least temporarily.