Lumby officials aren’t making any rash decisions on decriminalizing marijuana.
Instead of urging senior government to regulate cannabis, council opted Monday to pursue more information before making a decision May 7.
“I want people to find out information from the other side,” said Mayor Kevin Acton.
“When you have a delegation and hear from just one side, you wonder where the bad to all of this is.”
On Monday, there was a presentation from Stop the Violence B.C., which wants marijuana regulated as a way of reducing crime and creating a new source of revenue for communities.
As part of its process, Lumby council will ask the RCMP for information on marijuana use and possible decriminalization.
“We want to make sure we’re sending the right message,” said Coun. Randal Ostafichuk.
“We’re not saying using marijuana is OK but we’re looking at the criminal ramifications and the implications for the police. The cost to the taxpayer to keep prohibition going is extreme and there’s a danger to the public through grow-ops and hydro bypasses.”
But even without extra research, some politicians are already taking a stand.
“It’s time to look at the war on drugs as a complete failure and to find another way to deal with it,” said Coun. Nick Hodge.
“It’s time to take it out of the hands of criminals.”
Acton also admits the laws may need to change.
“Look at cigarette smoking. It’s tightly regulated and there are not as many people smoking as there were 20 years ago,” he said.
