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Canadian
Prime
Minister
Talks
About
Toking
Up
10/10/03
Canadian Prime Minister Jean
Chretien told a Canadian newspaper October 3 that he would consider trying
marijuana himself once it is no longer a criminal offense. Chretien, who
will retire in February, has pushed a marijuana decriminalization bill
in parliament that would end criminal penalties for possession of up to
15 grams (about a half-ounce). While marijuana would remain illegal under
that bill, possession would not be a crime but only a ticketable offense.
"I don't know what is marijuana,"
said the 69-year-old Chretien. "Perhaps I will try it when it will no longer
be criminal. I will have my money for my fine and a joint in the other
hand."
The remarks about marijuana
smoking came in the context of a discussion with the alternative weekly
the Winnipeg Free Press about Chretien's political legacy. Was Chretien
concerned that liberal policies like marijuana decriminalization and support
for same-sex marriages would color how he was remembered? Not at all, the
prime minister said. "The decriminalization of marijuana is making normal
what is the practice," he explained. "It is still illegal, but do you think
Canadians want their kids, 18 years old or 17, who smoke marijuana once
and get caught by the police, to have a criminal record for the rest of
their life? So what has happened is so illogical that they are not prosecuted
any more. So let's make the law adjust to the realities. It is still illegal,
but they will pay a fine. It is in synch with the times."
As for same-sex marriage,
Chretien told the Free Press that the government's hand was forced by the
courts, but the same general principle held in both cases. "For me, it
is better to err on the side of giving more rights than taking away rights."
Chretien's uncommonly candid
remarks predictable stirred reaction among the reactionaries. "To suggest
to our young people that you can just start smoking marijuana, and just
pay the fine and be done with it, is just irresponsible," said rightist
Canadian Alliance Member of Parliament Randy White, who is also vice-chair
of the House of Commons drug committee.
-- END --
|
Issue #306, 10/10/03
Editorial: Summer's Over -- Long Live Summer |
Curtain Closes on Ontario's Summer of Legalization: Court Ruling Reinstates Possession Law, Loosens Medical Marijuana Rules |
Change the Climate Ad Campaign Riles DC Pundits, Politicos |
California in the Era of Arnold |
New England "Governors' Summit" on Drugs: Drug War Horse and Pony Show Inside, Protestors Outside |
This Week in History |
Urgent Action Appeal on Singapore Drug Case from Amnesty International |
Newsbrief: In Fall Term, Supreme Court Rejects South Carolina Crack Mom Appeal, Accepts Case on Ex-Drug User's Rights Under Americans With Disabilities Act |
Newsbrief: Georgia Supreme Court Throws Out Driver Drug Test Law |
Newsbrief: Walters Lies Pile Up in Canada Diatribe |
Canadian Prime Minister Talks About Toking Up |
Newsbrief: Sarasota Police Lure Would-Be Drug Dealers for Profit |
Newsbrief: This Week's Corrupt Cop Story |
Newsbrief: Pentagon Adds Drugs to List of Foes in Afghanistan |
Newsbrief: Vacation in Bermuda? Anti-Marijuana Campaign Underway |
DRCNet Temporarily Suspending Our Web-Based Write-to-Congress Service Due to Funding Shortfalls -- Your Help Can Bring It Back -- Keep Contacting Congress in the Meantime |
Perry Fund Accepting Applications for 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 School Years, Providing Scholarships for Students Losing Aid Because of Drug Convictions |
The Reformer's Calendar
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