HEARINGS TO SEEK PUBLIC'S ATTITUDE ABOUT MARIJUANA

If one looks solely at the scientific research, it's hard to support a
punitive approach to cannabis use, according to the head of a Senate
committee that will visit Regina Monday.

"It's much easier to pass a penal law that says 'It's illegal now,' "
Senator Pierre Claude Nolin told the Leader-Post Thursday. "Black and
white, if we look solely at the scientific evidence, that moves me toward
liberalization."

However, many Canadians don't want legalization or even decriminalization,
even if scientific research paints a picture of a drug that is neither
dangerous nor very addictive, said Nolin, chairperson of the Senate Special
Committee on Illegal Drugs.

"I've already received tons of e-mails that say 'Look, no matter what you
tell me, it's immoral.' ... At the end of the day, if the population wants
something else (other than liberalization), they will get something, else."

That's why the committee's work includes a six-stop series of public
hearings, with the curious itinerary of Regina, Richmond, B.C., Montreal,
Mount Pearl, Nfld., Moncton, N.B. and Winsdsor, Ont.

"I didn't want to go to the obvious, large urban areas."

The committee is reviewing Canada's anti-drug legislation, particularly
cannabis, and will present its final report in August. Final
recommendations could include a call to soften legislation.

Nolin admits there are cultural differences within Canada that will reflect
support for liberalized cannabis laws and policies in some regions, but not
in others. Rural areas tend to be more conservative on the topic, he said.

The hearing begins Monday at 8 a.m. with interviews with experts at
Regina's City Hall. The committee will embark on a fact-finding visit to
the Piapot reserve that afternoon.

"If Canada is going to change its policy, we have to realize how it will
affect (aboriginal) communities," he said. The committee returns to City
Hall at 7 p.m. to listen to the public.

The hearings may be stirred somewhat by the interim discussion paper the
committee released last week. It contains several controversial opinions,
including the assertion that cannabis use doesn't lead to harder drugs.
"It's a very strongly entrenched myth in the public perception, and that's
why we stated it right at the beginning of (our discussion paper,)" Nolin said.

The paper also states cannabis use is "relatively benign" in terms of its
effect on health.

However, the committee is not determined to choose only between status quo,
decriminalization or legalization, Nolin said. "We're looking at all the
options and that includes increased prohibition."