RCMP Supports Call to Relax Pot Laws
May 1, 1999
by Jim Bronskill
Calgary Herald (email)
The RCMP said Friday it backs a call from Canadian police chiefs to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The Mounties announced they "fully supported" a new policy of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police that would give officers the option of ticketing people caught with 30 grams or less of marijuana, sparing them a criminal record.
"This well-thought out policy statement stands to give direction to every police officer in Canada and will perhaps aid in bringing some of these more contentious topics to the forefront of discussion," said RCMP assistant commissioner Rene Charbonneau.
Last week, the chiefs of police said they remained firmly opposed to legalization of illicit drugs, including pot, but would welcome government moves to decriminalize possession of the drug. Under such a scheme, first-time offenders could be ticketed and fined.
Charbonneau said drug use and abuse is a many-sided, health-related problem "deserving of a multi-faceted solution." He noted a key element of the police approach to the drug problem involves promoting programs that reduce demand for marijuana and other illegal substances.
The RCMP echoed the stand of the chiefs in opposing outright legalization of drugs.
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