LOCAL POLICE SUPPORT DE-CRIMINALIZING POT ON SMALL SCALE ONLY

But Chief Says He Fears Youths Getting The Wrong Message

Potentially looser laws on marijuana possession have received lukewarm
support locally but Halton's police chief has expressed concern youths are
getting a mixed message about drug use.

A Commons committee, chaired by Burlington MP Paddy Torsney, recommended
earlier this month that Canadians should be allowed to grow and carry
around 30 grams of marijuana for personal use at the risk only of a ticket
and fine, not a criminal record. Marijuana would remain an illegal
substance and trafficking in any amount would still be a crime.

Legislation on the matter could be introduced early next year.

Halton Regional Police Chief Ean Algar said the police service, in keeping
with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police recommendation, supports
possession of a small quantity of marijuana be treated as a non-criminal
offence, but he stressed, that would be for the first offence only and at
the police officer's discretion.

He said that recommendation is in line with what is already occurring in
the courts.

Chief Algar stressed that recommendation comes with the caveat that a
renewed National Drug Strategy be put in place that would include public
education, a health component and harsher penalties for dealing and
production of drugs.

Chief Algar however, isn't happy with the message he believes is being put
out in the media as a result of the committee's recommendation.

"It shouldn't be the message that drugs are okay," said Chief Algar. "I'm
disappointed in the way this is evolving. The youth of our community are
confused."

Proof of that comes in the fact that Halton's Drug Abuse Resistance
Education (D.A.R.E.) officers are being asked by area students if drugs are
good or bad.

"They should be sending a clear message that drug use is unacceptable and
this seems to be lost in this whole issue," he said. "The focus should be
on drug dealing and cultivation."

Included in the committee's recommendation are more drug prevention and
education programs on the risk of marijuana use, especially to young
people. The committee would also like to see a test to measure the drug
impairment level of drivers, similar to the blood alcohol meters now available.

"I really think it probably makes sense to decriminalize possession," said
Halton MP Julian Reed, who stressed he doesn't condone marijuana use. "The
police have a lot more important things to do."

When asked if he would support the recommendation he said he supports the
concept, but he'll "wait to see the bill."

"I want to see the legislation and be able to establish it does what it is
intended to do and does not encourage the drug trade."

Ian Stewart, executive director of ADAPT, (Alcohol and Drug and Gambling
Assessment Prevention and Treatment) a Halton-based agency, said the change

to the law is "something that does make sense from a lot of perspectives."

"I don't condone its (marijuana) use at all," stressed Mr. Stewart. "In
many ways I think a strong fine may be more of a deterrence (than the
current criminal record). I don't think it will lead to increased use."

He added if preventing use is the real issue, a multi-pronged approach is
needed including enforcement, prevention, education, research and treatment.

Halton Region Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal said neither he or
the region's health department have an official position on decriminalizing
marijuana possession, calling it a "federal issue."

"For any substance use or abuse, be it tobacco, alcohol or marijuana my
view, and the public health position is these issues need to be dealt with
with comprehensive programming."

Maggie Waligora, a registered nurse, and chief operating officer of the
Halton Hills-based Art of Healthy Living Inc., which offers a support group
for parents of teens with drug and crime problems, is opposed to the
proposed change.

"I don't think it should be allowed at all," said Ms Waligora. "Marijuana
is the gateway drug to other drugs. I see it will increase the usage."

She said she's hearing from young people that they are interpreting the
message to mean that marijuana possession is going to be legal and "in
their mind it's legal and it's okay."

Ms Waligora believes a criminal record is more a deterrent than a fine.