cannabisnews.com: Committee Calls for Decriminalization of Cannabis





Committee Calls for Decriminalization of Cannabis
Posted by CN Staff on December 12, 2002 at 08:56:45 PT
Press Release
Source: Canada NewsWire
The House of Commons Special Committee on the Non- Medical Use of Drugs today released its final report entitled Working Together to Redefine Canada's Drug Strategy. The final report includes the Committee's observations and recommendations relating to the use and regulation of marijuana in Canada and fulfills the Committee's expanded mandate to examine the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as it relates to the criminal prosecution of cannabis offences. 
After listening to witnesses in Canada and abroad and receiving hundreds of submissions from individuals and organizations, the Committee concluded that possession of marijuana should remain illegal and trafficking in any amount of cannabis should remain a crime. Furthermore, the committee recommended that the Ministers of Justice and Health establish a new regime to punish those who possess or cultivate small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Said Committee Chair Paddy Torsney, "Smoking any amount of marijuana is unhealthy but the consequences of conviction of possession of a small amount of cannabis for personal use are disproportionate to the potential harm associated with that behaviour. All orders of government must undertake to inform Canadians about the potential harms associated with cannabis use, and in particular, the heightened risk to young persons." "Decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use would not affect the penalties or consequences for trafficking or for the possession of any other controlled substance," Torsney elaborated. Currently, enforcement of the law appears to be sporadic, uneven and subject to regional discrepancies. Furthermore, the committee heard that the prosecution of cannabis related offences takes up too much of our scarce criminal justice resources. The committee recommends that prosecution of the new regulatory offence could be initiated by issuance of ticket, fines could be paid without a court appearance and enforcement would not result in a criminal conviction. Police and judicial resources would be freed to pursue other more serious criminal activity. In fact, police officers would be more likely to apply the law universally, and individuals charged would see real consequences for their actions. This report and its recommendations make it clear that Canada does not welcome traffickers. By including the possibility of cultivation of small amounts of cannabis, the committee hopes to decrease the need for domestic producers who are stealing billions of dollars of electricity and posing a threat to police, emergency response workers, hydro officials and neighbours. As in its interim report, the Committee recommends a comprehensive education, prevention and treatment strategy be developed for all substances, and particularly for cannabis use. As well, the Committee urges the government to develop tools to enforce existing Criminal Code prohibitions against driving while impaired by a drug. "We want to send a message to all Canadians, especially to our youth, that marijuana is illegal and that its consumption has considerable short and long-term effects which must be fully considered. Short-term effects include memory loss and cognitive skills impairment that represent a threat to public safety, much the same way alcohol does. Long term effects can include respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and a decreased interest in sustained activities." Once again, the Committee observed that Canada's current framework for dealing with substance use and misuse do not appear to be achieving the goals Canadians have for themselves and for their families. By embracing, and soon, the changes the Committee has proposed, Canadians will indeed lead healthier lives and be able to make more informed choices.For further information: Heidi Bonnell, (613) 371-8838Complete Title: Special Committee on Non-Medical Use of Drugs Calls for Decriminalization of Cannabis Possession for Personal UseFull copies of the report may be found at: http://www.parl.gc.caSource: Canada NewsWire (Canada)Published: December 12, 2002Copyright: 2002 Canada NewsWire Ltd. Contact: cnw newswire.caWebsite: http://www.newswire.ca/Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmDrug Czar Talks About Tightening at Borderhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14955.shtmlChanges To Marijuana Law May Rankle Washington http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14952.shtmlCommittee To Recommend 30-Gram Pot Limit http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14951.shtml
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Comment #2 posted by BGreen on December 12, 2002 at 15:47:55 PT
Hey, Canadian Medical Association
I've been a cannabis user for 27 years, I'm a professional musician who's achieved success in my field that most kids only dream about, and I've been happily married for over 20 years. On top of all that, I have a lung capacity that is two times the norm for a man my age, I eat a healthy diet, I don't use tobacco or alcohol, and I have an IQ which puts me quite a ways down the right side of the bell curve.I have no apparent cognitive impairment, but I must admit that I do sometimes exhibit symptoms of dysphoria and anxiety, caused NOT BY CANNABIS, rather it is a result of cannabis PROHIBITION here in the Police States of Amerika.dysphoria(dis-f÷r‚Ž-ˆ) [dys- + G. phora, a bearing]A mood of general dissatisfaction, restlessness, depression, and anxiety; a feeling of unpleasantness or discomfort. anxiety(ang-zð‚‰-tŽ) [L. anxietas, anxiety, fr. anxius, distressed, fr. ango, to press tight, to torment]1. Apprehension of danger and dread accompanied by restlessness, tension, tachycardia, and dyspnea unattached to a clearly identifiable stimulus.cognition(kog-ni‚sh£n) [L. cognitio]1. Generic term embracing the mental activities associated with thinking, learning, and memory. 2. Any process whereby one acquires knowledge. 
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on December 12, 2002 at 15:05:10 PT
Press Release from Canada NewsWire
Attention News/Health Editors: House Committee's report on Illegal Drugs reflects CMA's call for a National Drug StrategyDecember 12, 2002The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is pleased that the Special Committee on Non-Medical Use of Drugs, in its final report to the House of Commons today, recommends a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated national drug strategy to address all aspects of the use of illicit substances including marijuana. The Committee's finding reflect the CMA's March 2002 policy brief, A Public Health Perspective on Cannabis and Other Illegal Drugs, presented to the Special Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs. "Marijuana is an addictive substance that is known to have adverse health effects and we strongly advise against its use," said CMA President Dr. Dana Hanson. "The focus of government needs to be on policies to reduce its use." Adverse health effects include anxiety, dysphoria, cognitive impairment and possible exacerbation of psychotic states. People with major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are especially vulnerable in that marijuana use can provoke relapse and aggravate existing symptoms. The CMA agrees with the Committee that the consequences of a criminal conviction for possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use outweigh the potential harm of using this drug. However, it is critical that any changes to the legal status of marijuana neither encourage nor promote its use. "We are concerned that the debate over decriminalization has to some extent legitimize its use for recreational purposes," said Dr. Hanson. "Therefore we urge the government and federal Justice Minster Cauchon to ensure that decriminalization is tied to a national drug strategy that promotes awareness and prevention, and provides for comprehensive treatment." Addiction is a disease and individuals suffering from drug dependency should be diverted, whenever possible, from the criminal justice system to treatment and rehabilitation. The CMA supports the Committee's recommendations for a broad education and awareness strategy regarding harms associated with substance abuse but would also encourage a similar strategy to address the social stigma associated with addiction.For further information: Carole Lavigne, Manager, Media Relations (613) 731-8610 or 1-800-663-7336 ext.1266; e-mail: Carole.Lavigne cma.caCMA website: http://www.cma.caCANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION has 70 releases in this database.  http://www.newswire.ca/releases/December2002/12/c3089.html
Chapter 9 Cannabis Report
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