IS NEW LEGISLATION HALF BAKED?

There are a number of schools of thought on the current move by the federal
government towards decriminalizing the simple possession for personal use
of marijuana.

Some see it as the end of civilization, and some see it as the final
awakening of our society to the simple reality of the war against so-called
soft drugs.

And, there are a million other interpretations in between.

But what we may be seeing is another move by the federal government down
the slippery slope of legislation without preparation.
They are considering changing the law to make simple possession a
non-criminal offense, but providing or selling would still be a jailable
offense.

The feds have, in effect, decriminalized the user but not the provider.

This could, in fact, be the first official indication from the federal
government and its justice agencies that they have given up... that they
have lost the war in this country against marijuana.

But, if we as a society, after a national referendum or other method,
decide as a whole that possessing or consuming marijuana or other cannabis
products is just not as bad as we once believed (and that is a big if) then
should the next move not be to set up parameters for its use and distribution?

Should we not see that taxation on the product goes directly towards the
battle against hard drugs like crack and ******, a war perhaps our police
forces might win?

Should much of the funds not go to health care?

We are not legalizing marijuana in Canada, we are decriminalizing it just
as has been done in several states in the United States.
But what are we really telling society? Aren't we telling them that
marijuana is alright? Is that what we want to tell them?

If not, then we are simply amplifying the problem. If the answer is yes,
then why are we taking half-measures?

Perhaps the government should ask us first, then act.


Source: Port Perry Star (CN ON)
Pubdate: June 3, 2003
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