Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
Halifax, Nova Scotia -Decriminalizing simple possession of marijuana is an idea whose time came almost four decades ago. In 1969, the Le Dain commission began a long study of the decriminalization and legalization of several illegal drugs, including marijuana. When it issued its report in 1972, the commission recommended a transfer of legal matters relating to marijuana from the Criminal Code to the Food and Drug Act. It also suggested that simple possession be subject to a $100 fine, with no jail time.
That recommendation didn't fly. Neither have subsequent efforts to decriminalize simple possession. The last attempt died along with the Liberal government. And it looks as though the Conservative government isn't about to resurrect the Liberals' proposed legislation.
Indeed, the government intends to take a get-tough line on drugs, including marijuana. Federal Health Minister Tony Clement says marijuana is not a safe substance. The government's emphasis on anti-drug education and prosecution will ensure that pot remains on the wrong side of the law.
The Conservatives' stance represents a swing of the policy pendulum in a matter on which the Canadian public is almost evenly divided.
This divide is reflected in the segment of The Daily News/Bristol Omnifacts Research CityThink poll that asked for the public's opinion on decriminalizing marijuana. Fifty-three per cent of respondents supported decriminalization of the possession and use of marijuana. That's a clear, but hardly overwhelming, majority.
Had the question concerned legalization rather than decriminalization, support probably would have dwindled. There's a deeply entrenched and vocal opposition to the notion of giving marijuana the same legal standing as tobacco and alcohol.
Decriminalization is a reasonable compromise. It reduces possession from a crime to a misdemeanour, which has less-drastic repercussions. The substance remains illegal.
For now, the status quo will continue. The consequences of getting caught with pot will depend on the policies of individual police departments across the country. Those policies vary from strict to laissez-faire, with no consistency.
And that's not fair to anyone.
News Hawk- User https://www.420magazine.com
Source: The Daily News
Contact: info@hfxnews.ca
Copyright: 2007 The Daily News
Website: Feds not hot on pot
That recommendation didn't fly. Neither have subsequent efforts to decriminalize simple possession. The last attempt died along with the Liberal government. And it looks as though the Conservative government isn't about to resurrect the Liberals' proposed legislation.
Indeed, the government intends to take a get-tough line on drugs, including marijuana. Federal Health Minister Tony Clement says marijuana is not a safe substance. The government's emphasis on anti-drug education and prosecution will ensure that pot remains on the wrong side of the law.
The Conservatives' stance represents a swing of the policy pendulum in a matter on which the Canadian public is almost evenly divided.
This divide is reflected in the segment of The Daily News/Bristol Omnifacts Research CityThink poll that asked for the public's opinion on decriminalizing marijuana. Fifty-three per cent of respondents supported decriminalization of the possession and use of marijuana. That's a clear, but hardly overwhelming, majority.
Had the question concerned legalization rather than decriminalization, support probably would have dwindled. There's a deeply entrenched and vocal opposition to the notion of giving marijuana the same legal standing as tobacco and alcohol.
Decriminalization is a reasonable compromise. It reduces possession from a crime to a misdemeanour, which has less-drastic repercussions. The substance remains illegal.
For now, the status quo will continue. The consequences of getting caught with pot will depend on the policies of individual police departments across the country. Those policies vary from strict to laissez-faire, with no consistency.
And that's not fair to anyone.
News Hawk- User https://www.420magazine.com
Source: The Daily News
Contact: info@hfxnews.ca
Copyright: 2007 The Daily News
Website: Feds not hot on pot
