The debate over decriminalizing marijuana heated up Monday with the Canadian Police Association coming out strongly against the idea and an Alliance MP saying it's the way to go. But the police association, representing some 30,000 officers across the country, warned legalization would have disastrous social consequences.
Experts balk at such claims, and even other police groups disagree.
In 1999, the Association of Canadian Police Chiefs recommended decriminalization, and the RCMP has said the option is worth considering. This month, the House of Commons voted to create a committee to examine non-medical drugs, and several MPs said it will study decriminalization. Prime Minister Jean Chretien said the issue has been debated for 30 years and the fact Canadians are discussing it again is healthy. It's not part of the agenda at this time but there is a public debate, it's all right,'' he said. Decriminalization of pot in the Netherlands has not led to an increase in drug use there, a Senate committee on marijuana was told Monday.