KEEP POT USE A CRIME, POLL TOLD

One-Quarter of Manitobans Still Undecided, Neutral on The
Issue

Ottawa's intention to decriminalize marijuana use isn't resonating
with Manitobans.

A Winnipeg Free Press/Probe Research Inc. survey has found that while
34 per cent of respondents agree it shouldn't be a criminal offence to
possess and use a small amount of pot, 41 per cent of respondents
oppose decriminalization.

The survey also found that a large number of people -- 25 per cent --
are undecided or neutral on the subject.

"The political debate may be polarized, but opinion is quite soft,"
said Lloyd Fridfinnson, Probe's director of research.

Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said the Chretien government
is likely to decriminalize the use of small amounts of marijuana
before May. But Fridfinnson said federal politicians are way ahead of
Manitobans on this issue.

The telephone survey of 1,002 adults was conducted by Probe Research
from Nov. 30 to Dec. 9. The margin of error is considered to be within
plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20. The high number of
undecided is probably an indication people just don't know what to
make of the issue, he said.

"In the absence of strong public consensus, it will be up to the
leaders in the legislatures to make the decision," Fridfinnson said.
"They can't look to the public to lead on this one."

Respondents in the telephone survey were asked if they supported the
following proposition: "It should not be a criminal offence for
citizens to possess and use small amounts of marijuana."

The poll found that 22 per cent of respondents "completely" agreed
with the statement, while another 12 per cent said they "somewhat"
agreed. But opposition to the move hit a chord with 28 per cent, who
said they were completely opposed. Another 13 per cent said they were
somewhat opposed to the move.

Decriminalizing isn't the same as legalizing. Under decriminalization,
it would still be illegal to possess or use marijuana, but the penalty
would be lighter, likely a fine, and there would be no Criminal Code
conviction.

The debate in Ottawa appears to be centred on fixing the amount that
would qualify for a fine: 30 grams or five grams. Thirty grams is
equivalent to the old street measurement of one ounce; it makes about
40 joints (marijuana cigarettes); the street cost for 30 grams is about $450.

A Senate committee report in September said marijuana use should be
legalized for anyone over the age of 16, and suggested it be sold
under controlled circumstances, such as in liquor or drug stores.

A parliamentary committee report at the beginning of December favoured
decriminalization at the 30-gram limit. The report wasn't unanimous,
with dissenters splitting along party lines.

The Liberals appear to be lining up in support of an amendment for a
30-gram limit. The Canadian Alliance says that's way too high, and
they favour the five-gram limit, citing that's the model followed in
The Netherlands.

The federal NDP seems to be supporting the Senate committee --
legalizing possession and regulating its sale.

In Manitoba, Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh said he's satisfied with
the existing penalties, adding other issues have a higher priority
than tinkering with marijuana possession laws.

But Winnipeg Police Chief Jack Ewatski has made statements in the past
that lean toward easing the penalties. While he has repeatedly refused
to comment on the federal debate, Ewatski said earlier in the year
that he favoured a drug enforcement campaign that recognizes most
Canadians tolerate marijuana use.

The survey found that support for decriminalization of marijuana is
highest among tobacco smokers (43 per cent). People aged 18-34 (41 per
cent) were more inclined to support decriminalization than people over
55 (26 per cent). And support was higher among men (38 per cent) than
women (31 per cent).