POT FINES WOULD CAUSE PROBLEMS, SAYS POLICE CHIEF

WOODSTOCK - A parliamentary recommendation to fine rather than criminally
convict Canadians growing or carrying small amounts of marijuana could
create more work for police, said Oxford Community Police Chief Ron Fraser.

"It could encourage grow houses. As soon as you decriminalize something, it
encourages more use and more people trying to make money off of it."

Under recommendations, possession of up to 30 grams of marijuana would be
treated as a regulatory offence - similar to a traffic ticket - instead of
landing someone a criminal record. However, the drug would still remain
illegal and trafficking in any amount would still remain a crime.

But in Fraser's experience, fines do not deter crime very effectively
because they allow the person to get off without much of a hassle.

"If you get a fine for speeding and you are going so fast that you have to
go to court to pay it rather than just writing a cheque right there, you
will stop," said Fraser. "A fine is just not enough."

While the recommendation is not for legalizing marijuana, Fraser said it
could lead to that and we are not ready.

"If this is a step towards legalization then we must take the steps to
prevent the abuse of it. It's permissible to drink, but if you do things
like drive under the influence then there are things in place to prevent
that from happening. There is nothing in place if someone is going to have
five joints and drive a car.

While Fraser says he doesn't agree with the recommendation, local resident
Tim Berg, who has been trying to gain exemption from the government to use
marijuana for medicinal purposes, says it is a step in the right direction.

"It's going to help because it will at least produce some meaningful
dialogue," said Berg. "The voice has become stronger and the government has
apparently heard it."

Berg was involved in a skydiving accident, which has left him with constant
chronic pain.

"I get severe muscle spasm that can be immobilizing. When it's at it's
worst, it is a sharp and shooting pain and when it's over it's very draining."

For several years now, he has been trying to get permission from the
government to use marijuana, but he said the process is "like jumping
through hoops."

While the recommendation is geared towards recreational users, Berg said
any increase in tolerance is good news for everyone.

However, he doesn't think the government is any closer to legalization.

"Legalizing would imply it's a benign product and it's safe. These fines
are a way of still maintaining the status quo."