POLICE MELLOW ON WEED

Local RCMP Avoid Arrests in Smaller Cases

A poll showing increasing tolerance among Canadians for liberalized
marijuana laws reflects the approach police are forced to take with
the drug, said a Calgary Mountie.

Local RCMP no longer pursue charges against those caught with small
amounts of cannabis, which is consistent with a Sun-commissioned poll
indicating significant support for decriminalization and some
legalization, said Staff Sgt. Birnie Smith.

"The numbers don't surprise me -- I certainly think people want to see
decriminalization but not legalization," said Smith, head of the
Calgary RCMP drug unit.

Because of limited resources, "when we come across people with small
amounts, we've made the decision not to arrest them," said Smith,
adding his unit concentrates on the larger dealers and organized
criminals associated with the drug trade.

But the trend towards tolerance is a concern, said a local spokeswoman
for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC).

"Marijuana does have negative consequences -- it is an addictive drug
and it certainly poses problems," said Karen Hala, manager of AADAC's
adult counselling and prevention program.

Softening opposition to decriminalization, she said, is partly
explained by other more dangerous drugs stealing marijuana's limelight.

"People have more awareness of ecstacy, cocaine and heroin," said
Hala, adding even society's view of alcohol has grown dimmer compared
to that of marijuana.

It's debatable how much merit there is in Canadians' reluctance in the
survey to view marijuana as a gateway substance to harder drugs, she
said, adding research is limited.

And she said the survey results showing males are more likely to
favour easing marijuana laws is no surprise.

"We certainly see more males coming in with marijuana addiction," she
said.

Calgary medicinal marijuana crusader Grant Krieger said the poll is a
backlash against what more and more Canadians see as an overly-harsh
application of the law.

"Well over half of the population believe if someone is ill they
should be able to use marijuana without criminal charges," he said.

"There have been families irreparably damaged (by law enforcement)."