cannabisnews.com: PM Says No To Looser Drug Laws





PM Says No To Looser Drug Laws
Posted by FoM on May 29, 2001 at 08:02:46 PT
By Joan Bryden and Elizabeth Levine
Source: National Post
Despite mounting pressure from his own MPs to reform Canada's drug laws, Jean Chrétien, the Prime Minister, has ruled out the decriminalization of marijuana.Mr. Chrétien told reporters yesterday he supports the federal policy of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. But he gave a blunt, succinct "No" when asked if his government intends to go any further. He later said he welcomes renewed public debate on the issue, but suggested it will not change his mind.
"We've made a move on the question of using marijuana for health, and the Minister of Health has done it. Should we go into decriminalization and so on? It's not part of the agenda at this time. But there is a public debate. That's all right."Mr. Chrétien shrugged off suggestions the push for decriminalization has gained unprecedented momentum in recent weeks, noting the issue has been debated for 30 years.The Prime Minister's statement comes only two weeks after all five federal parties agreed to strike a special committee to examine Canada's drug laws. The creation of the committee has reignited debate over the possibility of removing possession of pot as an offence under the Criminal Code.A study released yesterday by the University of Lethbridge suggests more than 50% of Canadians favour not only decriminalization but full legalization of marijuana.Joe Clark, the Tory Leader, has said he favours decriminalization, as has a smattering of MPs from all parties. Anne McLellan, the Minister of Justice, has said she is open to debate on the issue, while Allan Rock, the Minister of Health, has said he favours reform, and would "participate with enthusiasm" in the ongoing Senate hearings.Late last year, the Senate special Committee on Illegal Drugs undertook a two-year study of Canada's drug laws, and has since heard primarily from groups that favour decriminalization of marijuana.But in a departure yesterday, the Canadian Police Association warned the Senate committee that decriminalizing possession of even small amounts of marijuana would weaken both the public perception of "harm in drug use" and the "moral disapproval of drug use.""We are against the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana," said David Griffin, the CPA's executive officer."Marijuana is internationally recognized as the gateway drug for other drug use," he said, but "people don't want to accept that marijuana is dangerous. There is no safe use of it in moderation."The CPA also argued "the cost of legalization will be astronomical," noting countries with more permissive drug laws have experienced an increase in health care costs and violent crime.The CPA did not mention the costs incurred by the criminal justice system when marijuana possession charges come to court. About 500,000 Canadians have received criminal records for marijuana possession in the past 30 years.The CPA's opposition is at odds with the Canadian Association of Police Chiefs and the RCMP, both of which have endorsed decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana.Source: National Post (Canada) Author: Joan Bryden and Elizabeth LevinePublished: May 29, 2001Copyright: 2001 Southam Inc. Contact: letters nationalpost.com Website: http://www.nationalpost.com/ Related Articles & Web Site:Canadian Medical Association Journalhttp://www.cma.ca/cmaj/Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmMarijuana Use Will Remain a Crime: Chretien http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9894.shtmlCanada Moves Toward Decriminalizing Marijuana http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9892.shtmlPolice Officers Oppose Easing Marijuana Law http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9887.shtml
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Comment #3 posted by kaptinemo on May 29, 2001 at 13:17:07 PT:
Trying to take a page from Georgie's book
M. Chretien evidently has been talking to Georgie Too - or his handlers - lately. It's interesting to note that the majority of professional organizations within Canadian society are in favor of decrim or outright legalization, but the PM, like his American counterpart, have chosen to ignore these voices of reason.You see, it's all right to just talk about reform. That's just peachy. But when it come down to the rubber meeting the road, and actually work towards that goal, they back off like it's radioactive. That's why I am hoping that push will come to shove up there, possibly in the form of another election. M. Chretien's party won big up there last time...but with a lot of people unhappy with his fiat denial of decrim/legalization, he's pushing things. And they might just turn around and bite him. 
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Comment #2 posted by Ethan Russo, MD on May 29, 2001 at 11:49:12 PT:
Go Canada.
Canada will hopefully take this opportunity to demonstrate that she is free of Amerikan influence. She can embrace the backward fascist rhetoric of Janie Canuck, or rather allow implementation of the more libertarian concepts modern Canadians seem to prefer. As Amerika becomes more marginalized in drug policy, two choices become apparent: more repression, or waking up and smelling the herb. 
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Comment #1 posted by letsgetfree on May 29, 2001 at 11:44:18 PT
No surprise
Weeeell it's no suprise really, Chretien is trying not to look soft for W. But seeing as this is his third term (god I hate the Liberal party) hopfully the next leader will be more rational. 
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