Moldy Peaches

It is soon be three strikes and you are out for the controversial Marijuana Decriminalization Bill. The Bill has already died twice on the Order Paper and, according to various sources in Ottawa, is certain to face death again.

The bill is set to go to the House Justice Committee this fall, but lobbyists say there's little support for the bill, on either side of the decriminalization debate.
The highly-controversial Marijuana Decriminalization Bill C-17 has remained in suspended animation since its reintroduction last fall. This despite meriting a specific mention in Prime Minister Paul Martin's most recent Speech from the Throne.

Bill C-17, which is the latest incarnation of legislation that has already died on the Order Paper on two previous occasions, was referred to the House Justice Committee last November, but has yet to make it onto the meeting schedule.

Many pro-pot activists agrue that this bill is actually worse than the existing legislation. Is it possible? Maybe part of the problem is the notion of baby steps?

As advocated previously, a more comprehensive drug policy would be better. Why not legalize marijuana and eliminate the black market all together? Is this not what happened when alcohol and tobacco was finally made legal? If it was legal, it could be taxed and regulated. Farmers could offset their crops with a new, legal crop. It would eliminate the real problem of grow-ops. There are conflicting science reports on the effects of the drug on users, however, there are more stories reflecting the benefits than the pitfalls. Many claim it helps with painful diseases such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.

There are, however, detractors - such as the US Administration. These folks believe that pot is the first step to harder drugs. If logic held true for other forms, reading a Maxim magazine would eventually lead to membership in a S & M club. Playing bingo at a church would lead to VLT use at a smoky bar. It is difficult to see the logic of the second point, but if you were concerned about that get tough on meth, crack and heroin.

In this country, the Canadian Professional Police Association is concerned that pot would flood the market and more small time dealers will emerge from this bill. Again, the legalization would eliminate this. There are addicted personalities in all corners of the globe and these people need help - not prohibition.

This bill (may not be perfect, but it is better than what we have), as well as the proposed Do Not Call bill, should be passed sooner rather than later.