Metchosin councillor fights for marijuana decriminalization

Metchosin put marijuana on the map this year.

Coun. Moralea Milne first brought a motion to council to decriminalize the illicit drug in January.

She saw support around the table, with the exception of Coun. Larry Tremblay.

B次元官网网址淚 am one of the few who have never tried it,B次元官网网址� Tremblay said at the start of the year. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檒l probably go down as the Neanderthal in Metchosin who doesnB次元官网网址檛 support it, but I donB次元官网网址檛 want to go down as the pothead council of Metchosin.B次元官网网址�

Milne argued the illegality of marijuana is responsible for criminal behaviour, including mouldy, unsafe grow-op houses and the theft of electricity.

B次元官网网址淚 think it should be released and taxed like alcohol,B次元官网网址� Milne said in January. B次元官网网址淲e need to bring some sanity to our lawmaking. The problem with marijuana is a failed policy.B次元官网网址�

Some council members such as Milne and Coun. Bob Gramigna admit to smoking marijuana several decades ago, while noting they donB次元官网网址檛 partake in the activity now.

B次元官网网址淭he war on drugs hasnB次元官网网址檛 been a success,B次元官网网址� Milne said. B次元官网网址淎 lot of things we enjoy cause harm B次元官网网址� We donB次元官网网址檛 throw people in jail for eating potato chips.B次元官网网址�

Council approved the motion, taking it to the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities. It saw support at the April AVICC and made its way to the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in September B次元官网网址� where it was also passed.

B次元官网网址淚t was about 70 per cent of hands in favour, it wasnB次元官网网址檛 close. If it was close it would go to electronic voting,B次元官网网址� Milne said in September. B次元官网网址淚 would hope UBCM takes it to another level. We donB次元官网网址檛 really have any jurisdiction.B次元官网网址�

charla@goldstreamgazette.com