OTTAWA GOING TO POT?

Abbotsford school trustees will write to the federal government, expressing
concern about last month's announcement that Justice Minister Martin
Cauchon plans to have possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana decriminalized.

Trustee Uultsje DeJong tabled the motion, saying 30 grams of cannabis can
make 40 to 50 joints.

"Thirty grams is more than a person needs for personal use," said DeJong.
"I do believe it is a gateway drug."

As well, he stressed the need for detox and treatment. A parent, Paul
Musgrave, said in a letter to the board that a criminal record for
marijuana use is inappropriate and change is needed to current laws.

Trustee John Sutherland, while he personally agreed with some of DeJong's
views, said more scientific research is needed. "I don't think the board
has done the job we normally do to have the research presented to us," he said.

"We're missing an opportunity to educate the public because we're saying,
'Well, this is my personal opinion,' " said Sutherland. Sutherland and
DeJong butted heads about the amount of research needed for the letter
before the board voted unanimously to send the missive.

Trustees Cathy Goodfellow and Joanne Field were absent.