Pubdate: Thu, 19 Dec 2002
Source: The Outlook (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 The Outlook
Contact:  http://www.northshoreoutlook.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1433
Author: Richard Cowan

CANADA POT LAWS STILL HARSH

Editor,

Canadian Alliance MP John Reynolds says that he believes the amount of 
marijuana decriminalized should be "five grams or less" ("Decriminalize 
pot, says local MP," Dec. 12 issue).

However, for more than 20 years the penalty in the state of Ohio for 
possession of one hundred grams -- more than three times the amount 
provided for in the supposedly "liberal" Cana-dian reform -- is only $100.

In Maine, there is only a fine of $200 to $400 for possession of 1.25 
ounces. In California, with a population greater than Canada's, one ounce 
is subject to a fine of only $100.

Why should the Canadian government punish its citizens more harshly than do 
major U.S. states?

Also, the official statement by the Alliance said that the limit in Holland 
is five grams, but that is the limit on per customer sales in coffee shops. 
The tolerated limit on possession is 30 grams.

Richard Cowan

MarijuanaNews.com

Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Beth