puff_tuff
(superposter)
4/25/01 09:35 PM
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TREATIES LOCK CANADA INTO OUTDATED POT LAWS
[Post#: 121235
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Wed, 25 Apr 2001
Winnipeg Free Press
Dennis Bueckert
TREATIES LOCK CANADA INTO OUTDATED POT LAWS
OTTAWA - Little-known international treaties have effectively locked Canada into outdated policies on marijuana, witnesses told a Senate committee yesterday.
Bruce Alexander, a psychologist at Simon Fraser University, said Canada is under heavy international pressure to maintain a criminal ban on use and possession of cannabis in compliance with treaties written many years ago.
The proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas would include a clause on the topic, and the United States wants to protect its right to unilaterally determine which countries are co-operating with its war on drugs, he said.
"To have an independent drug policy is almost a dream," Alexander added in an interview.
He told the committee that regulation of marijuana should be devolved to municipalities which could act in accordance with local standards.
He says marijuana is not an addictive drug.
Marie-Andree Bertrand, a University of Montreal criminologist, said many studies around the world have recommended decriminalization, from Canada's LeDain commission in 1972 to the recent Roque report in France. She said that new approaches seem to be blocked by international treaties like 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1988 Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs.
"Why have legislatures refused to consider the opinions they have sought? How can we understand the astounding growth of international criminal legislation on the drug issue?
"The answer to these questions lies to a large extent in the international undertakings that ... most countries have signed. Therein lies the explanation of the rejection of all coherent and liberal proposals."
Bertrand said many police officers don't bother enforcing laws on marijuana possession and enforcement varies widely, with rates of prosecution much higher in Quebec than Ontario or British Columbia.
Simple possession of marijuana still accounts for 50 per cent of the 60,000 to 70,000 drug offences recorded in Canada annually, she said.
"In the meantime, members of national parliaments have been deaf and blind to what is actually happening in society ... being more concerned with their image as guardians of the peace and with winning another term than with the general interests of their countries."
The Senate committee plans to hear from about 60 groups or individuals, and to present its report in August 2002. Its chairman, Senator Pierre-Claude Nolin, favours the legalization of cannabis.
winnipegfreepress
puff tuff
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4free
(superposter)
4/25/01 10:05 PM
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Re: TREATIES LOCK CANADA INTO OUTDATED POT LAWS
[Post#: 121249
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I just wanted to thank you Puff, for all the great news postings you have provided us with. Since logging on for the first time in December, you have definetly helped me keep "up to date" with all the media and logistics behind this war on the war on drugs. Thanks again for all the great contributions you have made!
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puff_tuff
(superposter)
4/25/01 11:10 PM
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Re: TREATIES LOCK CANADA INTO OUTDATED POT LAWS
[Post#: 121270
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Thanks 4free, it's my pleasure, I enjoy doing it.
Lots of sites out there with pot news etc. but I like bringing some of them Home to our members, our forums, our viewpoints.
As of April 28, I've been regestered here as puff_tuff
for 1 year!
Wow, a year of "Bringin' ya the News".
Oh if any one is further interested in the above story
here is a link to The Senate's Special Committee on Illegal Drugs
Take care
pufftuff
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davidmalmolevine
(superposter)
4/26/01 01:38 PM
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Re: TREATIES LOCK CANADA INTO OUTDATED POT LAWS
[Post#: 121493
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nice work, puff, as always.
With regards to treaties
1) Holland has signed every treaty we have.....Constitutional principles like "sovereignty/expediency" have been used ( and "the harm principle" could be used) by other nations, like the dutch have, to stay in the treaty but make "coffeshop" exceptions or other exceptions. Medical exceptions are also listed in the treaty...which would cover compassion clubs.
2) There is no penalty for withdrawl from the treaty.
3) The treaty can be amended.
4) We also signed international human rights and anti slavery and anti genocide treaties too...you can't talk about one and forget the other.....
All this can be verified by checking out the www.cfdp.ca website ... somewhere near the bottom....
"I have struggled against tyranny. I didn't do that in order to substitute another." Desmond TutuEdited by davidmalmolevine on 4/26/01 01:39 PM.
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TaxPayer
(member)
4/26/01 03:31 PM
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Re: TREATIES LOCK CANADA INTO OUTDATED POT LAWS
[Post#: 121550
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As David said, the Dutch have changed their social policy while operating under these same treaties. It's the desire of Canadian politicians to keep us in the USA's "favoured nation" list which makes it difficult to change.
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BC_Budman
(newbie)
4/28/01 08:34 AM
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Re: TREATIES LOCK CANADA INTO OUTDATED POT LAWS
[Post#: 122015
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Didn't I read a week or two ago that Holland had withdrawn from this treaty?
"Life is a tragedy for those who feel
and a comedy for those who think."
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