Decriminalizing Marijuana is a Pragmatic Step

[boulder]

Source: Hamilton Spectator

 

Any move to relax Canada's marijuana laws inevitably runs into a whirlwind of controversy. For all of the problems created by the criminal conviction of people with small amounts of marijuana, there is still widespread reluctance to do anything that runs the risk of encouraging more consumption of the drug.

 

If a parliamentary committee chaired by Burlington Liberal MP Paddy Torsney carries the day, Canada will break new ground by decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana. Possession of up to 30 grams would be subject to a ticket and fine, rather than a criminal record.

 

In the committee's view, it's more sensible to redirect police resources to more serious problems, including the growing traffic in marijuana, as opposed to putting people at risk of a record for smoking pot.

 

On balance, the committee's recommendation to decriminalize simple possession is a progressive, pragmatic step. It's not a foolproof remedy for the problems created by marijuana and more potent drugs, but it should help to create more respect for the law.

 

The evidence suggests that the current approach does more harm than good. More than 21,000 Canadians were charged with simple possession of marijuana in 1999, an 11 per cent increase compared to 1995. Just as disturbing, individual police forces and Crown prosecutors applied the law in significantly different ways. That's unfair and unacceptable, given the potentially devastating consequences and stigma of a criminal record.

 

Decriminalization is coming under renewed attack from critics in Canada and the United States, who charge that it would encourage young people to indulge in marijuana. We're not at all sure of that. If the government balances decriminalization with a strong educational campaign to remind people of the dangers of marijuana, it might well achieve much-needed success in discouraging demand for drugs. The committee didn't exactly open the floodgates. Trafficking of marijuana would remain a crime, and legalization -- treating marijuana in similar fashion to alcohol -- was ruled out.

 

A Senate committee, among others, has supported the legalization philosophy. Authorities could regulate the supply, and control the quality and potency of the drug, if it were legal. Those are solid arguments, but we believe Canada isn't ready for legalization. It would be too readily misconstrued as a sign that Parliament isn't concerned about the widespread use of marijuana and its potential to act as a gateway to more dangerous drugs.

 

It's important to emphasize that decriminalization is not intended to be an excuse for young people to start smoking marijuana. Torsney is right in stressing the need for a strong education campaign about the health issues related to smoking marijuana, which, like tobacco, is inherently unhealthy. Some aspects of the committee's report -- including the wisdom of the 30-gram limit (enough to make 30 or more marijuana cigarettes or "joints") -- need careful review.

 

In general, however, the committee's blueprint points the way to a more effective approach to the marijuana dilemma.

 

Note: Changing pot laws: No record for having small amount.