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Newsbrief:
Canada
Decriminalization
Bill
Dies
Quiet
Death
11/14/03
The marijuana decriminalization
bill promoted by the government of Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien
is dead. The bill and all other pending legislation was killed Wednesday
afternoon when Chretien prorogued (or adjourned) Parliament before his
pending retirement. Parliament will resume in a new session beginning
January 12, but Chretien's successor, Paul Martin, has shown little enthusiasm
for reintroducing a decrim bill.
Chretien's Cannabis Reform
Bill (C-38) will not be mourned by many. Old-school drug fighters,
such as Canadian Alliance Member of Parliament Randy White and Canadian
police associations, opposed any liberalization of the marijuana laws,
as did US drug czar John Walters. And marijuana reform advocates
were chary of the bill because while it would have made the possession
of a small amount of marijuana a non-criminal offense punishable only by
a fine, it also included provisions that would have increased penalties
for all but the smallest marijuana cultivation operations.
While parliamentary action
to change Canada's cannabis laws may be on indefinite hold, the Canadian
Supreme Court has already heard arguments in a series of cases challenging
the government's ability to outlaw marijuana possession and distribution.
A decision in those cases, which cite the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedom, is expected any week now.
To read the bill online,
visit:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/37/2/parlbus/chambus/house/bills/government/C-38/C-38_2/C-38TOCE.html
-- END --
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Issue #311, 11/14/03
DRCNet Interview: Larry Campbell, Mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
South Carolina: High School Drug Raid Sparks Incredulity, Outrage |
DRCNet Honchos Challenge DC with CD -- Borden and Guard Refuse to Report for Jury Service in Protest of Drug Laws |
Drug Policy Alliance 2003 Conference |
BUSTED: Special Video Offer for DRCNet Members |
Newsbrief: Canada Decriminalization Bill Dies Quiet Death |
Newsbrief: Bolivian Intellectuals Issue Call for Debate on Coca Law |
Newsbrief: FAMM Study Show States Embracing "Smart on Crime" Reforms |
Newsbrief: Illinois Targets Ecstasy, Speed on Campus |
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This Week in History |
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The Reformer's Calendar
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