REFORM PARTY TABLES POT BILL

Reform MP Keith Martin introduced legislation in Parliament yesterday
that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Martin's private members' bill would amend the Controlled Drugs and
Substances Act, and parallels elements of a policy adopted by the
Canadian Association of Police Chiefs last week.

"I would like to see our police officers pursuing rapists and
organized crime barons, not people for simple possession," said
Martin, a doctor by training. His bill was also the source of some
embarrassment yesterday because it also called on the Feds to
decriminalize trafficking of marijuana in small amounts. Bureaucrats
were called to fix the blunder.

And amendments were immediately sought by police chiefs so police
would have the option of charging someone with 30 grams or less or
marijuana or one gram or less of cannabis resin. Police want the
option of issuing a ticket that would come with a fine and no
criminal record.