 |
July 27 - August 3,2003 |
An Intellectually Dishonest Bill
Lawyer Eugene Oscapella believes marijuana law offers benefits to black market
By Alberto Lunati
Originally Published: 2003-06-15
 |
|
Toronto lawyer Eugene Oscapella
|
This law is controversial, bordering on intellectual dishonesty, and leading nowhere."
Eugene Oscapella, a lawyer working for the Canadian Foundation for Drug Policy - an organization long advocating a different approach to the policy on drugs - harbours no doubts: the new law on marijuana, recently passed by the Federal government, has some obscure traits and risks allowing the big criminal organizations room and easy revenues.
It prevents the control of sales and thus, de facto, boosts the black market.
The new law, introduced recently - following consultations that included U.S. authorities - by Minister Cauchon, foresees a $100-150 fine for youth and $150-400 for adults caught with a quantity of "grass" of up to 15 grams. No criminal record, then, for people found in possession of marijuana, while stricter penalties are foreseen for those who get caught while selling or cultivating it.
These measures would also be accompanied by the earmarking of $245 million for a five-year capillary campaign that should deter people from using marijuana and fund research proving the damages entailed by drug use.
This is only a lot of hot air, says Eugene Oscapella, who has the intention of showing the other side of the coin.
What do you think of this law?
"It has a few positive aspects, for sure, but they are very limited and 'muzzled'. Moreover, I think that the problem has not been tackled from the origin..."
What do you mean?
"The background of this new law remains a prohibitionist flavour, typically American. This attitude ends up causing more harm than good. You see, the depenalization of personal use is an example of openness, but the continued criminalization of sellers and growers brings us back to square one..."
Why do you say that?
"Because this is exactly where the law becomes intellectually dishonest: how can using something be allowed while selling the same something is a crime? This is where things go awry."
What are the risks of such a choice?
Page 1/...Page 2
|
| Home / Back to Top |
|
|
 |
|
|
</ td>
