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Here is one article that I have been pondering for a while. I think it could contribute to my position on the legalization of marijuana....

Senate pot report leaves police fuming

Last Updated: Thursday, September 5, 2002 | 12:59 PM ET

CBC News

A Senate report that endorses the legalization of marijuana has sparked mixed reactions – the police are huffing, while pot smokers are hoping to see more people legally puffing.

"It is nothing more than a back to school gift for drug pushers," is how David Griffin, executive officer of the Canadian Police Association, reacted to the report released Wednesday.

Griffin said the CPA would fight any efforts to legalize or decriminalize pot or any other drug.

David Griffin

The report also drew criticism Thursday from Canadian Alliance Leader Stephen Harper.

The father of two small children said he doesn't buy arguments that alcohol is more harmful than smoking marijuana.

"As a parent, I would be more concerned about pot use than alcohol use by my children, even in moderation," said Harper, who suffers from asthma.

Pierre Claude Nolin

The report from the Senate's Special Committee on Illegal Drugs recommends that Canada regulate the sale of marijuana and wipe clean the slate of those convicted of pot possession. Traffickers and producers would still be prosecuted.

Decriminalization still an option

Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, who has admitted to smoking pot, said Thursday that decriminalizing the drug might be a "first step" in reforming drug laws which seem out of date.

"The legislation in place is sort of disconnected with Canadian reality," he said The minister stopped short, however, of endorsing the Senate report.

Cauchon said before considering any changes to the law, he wants to see the results from a House of Commons committee report on illicit drugs, due for release on Nov. 30. He said he expects to have a new policy ready early next year.

Toronto lawyer Paul Burstein told CBC News the new rules would push pushers out of business.

The report said marijuana is less harmful than legal drugs like alcohol and should be governed accordingly.

"Scientific evidence overwhelmingly indicates that cannabis is substantially less harmful than alcohol and should be treated not as a criminal issue but as a social and public health issue," said Senator Pierre Claude Nolin, chair of the committee.

He said drug policy should focus on harm reduction, prevention and treatment.

Since the committee began working on the issue in March 2001, they have held 39 meetings across Canada and heard from 100 witnesses.

The report took into account Canada's international obligations and the approaches other countries take to drug policy.