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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Canada: Editorial: Pot And The Law
Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Saturday 19 May 2001 A national debate over Canada's outdated drug laws is long overdue and for that reason, an all-party decision by Parliament to investigate the issue is welcome news. It promises to be a spirited debate as advocates of decriminalization mobilize to convince Canadians that drugs like marijuana do not belong in a Criminal Code reserved for real criminals and real crimes. Opponents of decriminalization will be just as adamant in arguing that any change to current drug laws would trigger even greater use, particularly by youth, with possibly incalculable consequences for society. Decriminalizing so-called soft drugs like marijuana doesn't necessarily mean legalization. It might simply mean reducing penalties for simple marijuana possession to something less than a criminal conviction. But the debate will, no doubt, explore the more radical option of full- blown legalization with supporters advocating that marijuana is less dangerous than tobacco or alcohol and should therefore be treated accordingly. While we welcome the impending debate, that doesn't mean we necessarily advocate decriminalization or legalization. At least not unless -- or until - -- a thorough examination can come up with answers to a host of questions. Let's sketch out the framework for the impending debate: Does the current prohibition against the production, sale or possession of marijuana serve any productive purpose? Does it result in less use by Canadians or does it simply drive its use underground? In other words, would decriminalization result in significantly greater use than already exists? Do current laws serve the interests of society? Is there any justice in turning thousands of otherwise law-abiding Canadians into criminals over a relatively minor issue like smoking a bit of pot? Police devote considerable resources to this mini-drug war. Could they be better deployed elsewhere? Does prohibition work in reducing crime? Or does it create a ready-made market, enriching motorcycle gangs and others engaged in the elicit production and sale of a banned substance? What new information exists regarding the health risks of soft drugs? Do they have side effects? Do they lead to experimentation and ultimately dependence on other drugs? If not, why should we ban them? Does society have any business peering into the rec rooms of the country to catch people smoking a little pot? Would a radical change in Canada's drug laws sit well with our neighbours to the south. Surely, the U.S. would have something to say about the risks of increased cross-border trafficking from a country where pot is legalized. What safeguards exist to ensure drivers are not under the influence of drugs? MPs have their work cut out for them. They should start by asking themselves a simple question: Ever smoked a joint?
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