Punishing pot growers more severely than pedophiles?

[henric]

06/02/2012 9:30:00 AM

by Monica Bugajski

Senate hearings began last week over Bill C-10 and why its mandatory minimum sentences gives pot growers more jail time than pedophiles.
Last fall, a media report revealed that Bill C-10, an omnibus crime bill, would give pot growers harsher mandatory minimum sentences than it would give pedophiles. The report caught the attention of PM Harper, and recently the Canadian Press got ahold of an Oct. 11, 2011 "memorandum for the prime minister" regarding the issue. The memo, which is marked "secret," was largely blacked out and said that further analysis would be required for any amendment proposals, yet it gave no indication that the gov't was willing to change the these mandatory minimum sentences.
And it is specifically Bill C-10's mandatory minimum sentences that remain a source of controversy. Under the law, a person who grows as few as six marijuana plants for the purpose of trafficking gets a mandatory minimum sentence of six months, which is twice that as someone who lures a child to watch pornography or exposes himself on a playground. Someone who grows 201 pot plants in a rental unit gets a longer mandatory sentence than someone who rapes a toddler or forces a child to have sex with an animal.
You would think that these very strange provisions in the crime bill, which attracted so much negative attention, would have been amended, but it doesn't appear that Harper did anything about it, and instead, the bill was rushed through the Commons justice committee unchanged. The Conservative majority passed it in the House on Dec. 5, but just this last week, Senate hearings about Bill C-10 begun. Many Senators questioned why sexual offenses against children are not being weighed more heavily than offenses for growing pot.
At the hearings, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said that the legislature makes sure that child sexual abuse constitutes jail time, but he didn't address the discrepancy in mandatory minimum sentences. Instead, he said that drug traffickers are "in the business of destroying people's lives" and that the legislature sends "a very clear message that this will not be tolerated."
But to me, it seems that when the penalty for pot growing is more severe than the penalty for child sexual abuse, the gov't is, in fact, sending a very unclear message. What are we supposed to think when, according to the law, growing a mere six pot plants elicits a more severe penalty than a sexual offence against a child? What does it mean when the law views growing marijuana worse than raping a child?
There are many people who would argue that marijuana has medicinal purposes and can be used as responsibly as alcohol, and there are many who would disagree with this notion. Still, the issue is debatable. Pedophilia, on the other hand, is not debatable. It's a monstrous crime that leaves absolutely no room for discourse. We can all agree that there's no positive slant to child sexual abuse, so it's really difficult for me to understand why the government would rate it on a less punishable scale than marijuana.
And let's be clear, we are talking about marijuana here, not crystal meth and not heroin. I can understand a long minimum sentence for trafficking hard drugs, but marijuana doesn't go into communities and destroy families the way, let's say, crack cocaine does, and it's not necessarily addictive. I don't smoke pot, but there are many successful, intelligent, and contributive members of society that do, and maybe some of them even grow a few plants. Their act doesn't hurt anyone the way sexual abuse does so it's ridiculous to punish their crime more severely.
I would imagine that in an effort to thwart drug trafficking, the government is trying to scare people out of growing pot with these strict sentences, but what it doesn't realize is that it's doing the opposite to the pedophiles, and it's the pedophiles who need to be scared. They are the repeat offenders who destroy families and lives. They need to be kept off the streets as long as possible.
I hope that the Senate makes the necessary amendments to allow for a very clear message.

[fn59]

Yeah I find it strange that this government wants to crack down on pot growers so much. I think if you polled Canadians with the question on who should receive harsher penalties, pedophiles or pot growers, it would be close to a 100% in favour of harsher penalties for pedophiles. Not sure if this bill is driven by alcohol or pharmacutical lobbyists, but it seems to me that governments are influenced too much by lobbyists and the voice of the average voter goes unheard. Or perhaps this government identifies more with pedophiles than with pot growers.

[Bigpineguy Retired]

I say.... Grow some pot, smoke a fatty, and then find a baby raper, and beat the living chit out of them.... poetic justice :D


but , that's just me ....

BPG~

[18DD2]

HA! Mandatory 6 month minimum. They're lucky it's not me writing the laws. Id give a MANDATORY 15 years no time off for good behavior and NO Television. That's just to start, Get caught again and it would be life. Not all of us out here are so tolerant of narcotic use and the crimes as a result of its use. Course, not everyone is as vocal as I am either. But it would insure Job security for the prison system and probably not a whole lot of returnee's :)

[satchick]

Yes, but I'm sure you're ok with alcohol, tobacco, and junk food; all of which kill more people every year than marijuana ever has in thousands of years of use... There's medical proof that marijuana is far less dangerous than alcohol, and doesn't cause the same social problems (fights, relationship issues, health problems). The only crime most marijuana users commit is actually using it. Since it's not physically addictive, you don't have any of the same problems (theft, homelessness...) caused by abusers of hard drugs, prescription pills, or even alcohol.

I'd like to see it taxed and distributed in a similar manner as alcohol and tobacco, with an age restriction (16?) and very strict regulations regarding quality and purity to ensure that manufactures aren't adding chemicals and addictive substances to the product. For those that wish to grow for personal consumption, similar rules to brewing your own alcohol should apply. If the taxes were set at a reasonable rate to keep prices at or below street value, illegal sales would significantly drop...

Incarcerating people for consuming a plant with not a single reported death in thousands of years of use is a huge waste of taxpayer's money, which can be put towards preventing and dealing with real crime. Nobody's forcing you to smoke; if you don't agree with it, don't do it, but considering that we're talking about a substance that's proven to be safe, everyone should have the right to decide for themselves weather or not they wish to ingest it into their own body.

[18DD2]

So you already acknowledge that there are problems and abuses with the other substances in your post. You just want to add to that list and make it worse. Gotcha. I don't and certainly will vote for anyone that feels the same or anything at the voting booth that eliminates that.

[Willow]

HA! Mandatory 6 month minimum. They're lucky it's not me writing the laws. Id give a MANDATORY 15 years no time off for good behavior and NO Television. That's just to start, Get caught again and it would be life. Not all of us out here are so tolerant of narcotic use and the crimes as a result of its use. Course, not everyone is as vocal as I am either. But it would insure Job security for the prison system and probably not a whole lot of returnee's :)

Your kidding right? The only reason this was made illegal in the 1930's was because "hemp" was being used as a paper product..and William Randolph Hearst did not like competition for his Pulp and Paper Mills. Ask any Cancer patient or ask anyone with MS how it helps them survive through the day. The only reason it is still illegal is because our "Greedy" Gov'ts haven't found a way to tax it. I for one would like too see all pedophiles rot in hell and that is still not harsh enough for them..JMO

[Bigpineguy Retired]

So you already acknowledge that there are problems and abuses with the other substances in your post. You just want to add to that list and make it worse. Gotcha. I don't and certainly will vote for anyone that feels the same or anything at the voting booth that eliminates that.

You opinion doesn't make you wrong....I personally disagree, but that's my opinion.... I hope that you agree that it's a problem that this has a harder penalty than someone that "exposing" themselves at a local playground and or school, or touches a little child in the wrong way..... This thread really wasn't meant to advocate Weed, but more the fact that baby rapers are less punished than someone growing a plant.....THAT'S crazy! I smoke, and I have children, and you can bet your life that I would give my own justice if anyone touched my babies that way....JMHO

BPG~

[18DD2]

"Ask any Cancer patient or ask anyone with MS how it helps them survive through the day."

BULL! Your talking to a cancer survivor and my wife passed away from ALS in 1994. Neither one of us felled compelled to smoke dope. There are other of things that have been around for years and years that are every bit as effective. Oh, I also have Glaucoma. You would have to be a complete idiot not to know what NORML is trying to do. We have problems already we DO NOT need to make it worse then it already is. I have 3 beautiful grand daughters and I do NOT want them to grow up in a country that thinks taking drugs is the best way to get through life.

[1boxman]

This has been a long debate ..between everything else and marijuana..Bunch of crap...Everything in a moderation..wont normally kill ya or cause problems ..UNTIL it meets the wrong person...or abused .. People kill and cause the problems .

now I agree about the push or sentence on the topic..But I would have to say that there are more troubles with marijuana..or does cause pido ? When you have your rental house or building put as a grow opp and have to bulldoze it down at your own expenses ..You mite think different about it ..or Having your house broken into for more money for drugs.. yes marijuana..or your child kill . But all this can happen any way with anything .

I think the big thing is abuse towards it..Crap ...this texting crap and other distractions .in cars are killing faster than a pido .

I all most ran someone over on street with them on cell phone ..Come on ppl..compare these things ...is near a waste of time .

Each one needs attention .

Now not to stay off topic..This a true story..on marijuana legal grow opp. He was attached and knifed at his house where it was .. Government controlled ..etc. All for some marijuana that is not bad for you, addictive etc Right..seen it ..and yes so is other stuff .

Problems are because of people plain and simple.

[18DD2]

"Problems are because of people plain and simple."

That part I will agree with. It's called lack of self control and the reason we have laws. Laws SHOULD be meant as a learning lesson not a reward for keeping Job security in place for the attorney's the courts and the prison systems which it is now. Cop a plea, lite sentence, easy time and quick out and right back int he game again. The perp learned nothing that will change his way of thinking.

[Willow]

"Problems are because of people plain and simple."

That part I will agree with. It's called lack of self control and the reason we have laws. Laws SHOULD be meant as a learning lesson not a reward for keeping Job security in place for the attorney's the courts and the prison systems which it is now. Cop a plea, lite sentence, easy time and quick out and right back int he game again. The perp learned nothing that will change his way of thinking.

As BPG said this is a personal choice... but I find this kinda funny seeing as this is a FTA site..and we are all according to the Law breaking it by pursing this hobby..Laws SHOULD be meant as a learning lesson not a reward for keeping Job security in place for the attorney's the courts and the prison systems

[sasskatt]

hey you are a funny guy.
almost had me going there for a bit...............lol



HA! Mandatory 6 month minimum. They're lucky it's not me writing the laws. Id give a MANDATORY 15 years no time off for good behavior and NO Television. That's just to start, Get caught again and it would be life. Not all of us out here are so tolerant of narcotic use and the crimes as a result of its use. Course, not everyone is as vocal as I am either. But it would insure Job security for the prison system and probably not a whole lot of returnee's :)

[18DD2]

As BPG said this is a personal choice... but I find this kinda funny seeing as this is a FTA site..and we are all according to the Law breaking it by pursing this hobby..Laws SHOULD be meant as a learning lesson not a reward for keeping Job security in place for the attorney's the courts and the prison systems

Hey it wasn't me that posted it. I just responded to it :) FTA is something on this site we can ALL pretty much agree. That's why we're here. Unlike a Hot Potato Narcotics issue.

[kenkell1]

Hey it wasn't me that posted it. I just responded to it :) FTA is something on this site we can ALL pretty much agree. That's why we're here. Unlike a Hot Potato Narcotics issue.

Wasting trillions of dollars to fight the marijuana trade that has been so ineffective is bloody ridiculous. Just as ridiculous as prohibition was. All these stupid pot laws are doing is making the hells angles rich as well as other gangs that use pot to souly fund their wicked ways ;)
I would sooner meet someone driving down the highway that smoked a joint then someone that drank half a bottle of whisky.
It is time to legalize pot and get over peoples stupid over reactions when it comes to weed.
Legalize pot and tax it and make our economy rock like never before.

[jazzman]

OK people, to each his own but let's not get nasty about it or we'll have to close this thread. Keep it civil please.

[Bigpineguy Retired]

Wasting trillions of dollars to fight the marijuana trade that has been so ineffective is bloody ridiculous. Just as ridiculous as prohibition was. All these stupid pot laws are doing is making the hells angles rich as well as other gangs that use pot to souly fund their wicked ways ;)
I would sooner meet someone driving down the highway that smoked a joint then someone that drank half a bottle of whisky.
It is time to legalize pot and get over peoples stupid over reactions when it comes to weed.
Legalize pot and tax it and make our economy rock like never before.


http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o155/bigpineguy/joint-1.gif

Cheers!

BPG~

[18DD2]

Wasting trillions of dollars to fight the marijuana trade that has been so ineffective is bloody ridiculous. Just as ridiculous as prohibition was. All these stupid pot laws are doing is making the hells angles rich as well as other gangs that use pot to souly fund their wicked ways ;)
I would sooner meet someone driving down the highway that smoked a joint then someone that drank half a bottle of whisky.
It is time to legalize pot and get over peoples stupid over reactions when it comes to weed.
Legalize pot and tax it and make our economy rock like never before.

Nambla also wants to legalize their illegal activity too. You for that also? Or why is your wrong any more right then their wrong. You see what you think should be norml, other people like myself see as disgusting.

[kenkell1]

Nambla also wants to legalize their illegal activity too. You for that also? Or why is your wrong any more right then their wrong. You see what you think should be norml, other people like myself see as disgusting.

Your comparison is wacked out dude. You need to rethink what you preach because your not making a bit of sense unless your a NAMBLA freak and if you are should be banned from here ;)

[18DD2]

Your comparison is wacked out dude. You need to rethink what you preach because your not making a bit of sense unless your a NAMBLA freak and if you are should be banned from here ;)

What you felt when you seen the name NAMBLA is EXACTLY the way a lot of us felt at the things we see on people wanting to legalize drugs. Every member of that organization ought to be shot. BUT then, I guess it all depends on who's OX is being gored huh.

[kenkell1]

What you felt when you seen the name NAMBLA is EXACTLY the way a lot of us felt at the things we see on people wanting to legalize drugs. Every member of that organization ought to be shot. BUT then, I guess it all depends on who's OX is being gored huh.

Once again your way off base and your comparisons are not even close. Try again ;)

Doesn't take a brain surgeon to realize the pot laws are ineffective and just plain aren't working.

[Bigpineguy Retired]

okay, I am now done with this topic.....comparing Norml to Nambla ? Wow!!! I'm sorry, but there is a HUGE difference XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX (edit)


I'll just say Wow...
BPG~

[kenkell1]

okay, I am now done with this topic.....comparing Norml to Nambla ? Wow!!! I'm sorry, but there is a HUGE difference XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX (edit)


I'll just say Wow...
BPG~

Yep I have to agree that's pretty pathetically sick alright.

[Willow]

"Ask any Cancer patient or ask anyone with MS how it helps them survive through the day."

BULL! Your talking to a cancer survivor and my wife passed away from ALS in 1994. Neither one of us felled compelled to smoke dope. There are other of things that have been around for years and years that are every bit as effective. Oh, I also have Glaucoma. You would have to be a complete idiot not to know what NORML is trying to do. We have problems already we DO NOT need to make it worse then it already is. I have 3 beautiful grand daughters and I do NOT want them to grow up in a country that thinks taking drugs is the best way to get through life.

I should have said this earlier..I am very sorry for the loss of your wife and your illness..this is a explosive topic..and living in a free Country we are allowed our own opinions...I do believe it is a moot point though..Drug Company Lobbyist will never allow this herb to be legalized...they would not be able to make any $$$$ and that is what this is all about..

[fn59]

18DD2 do you think pot growers should be punished more severely than someone who preys on children?

[sat guy]

WOW "DOPE" Really ??? Don't forget we are talking about a Plant that grows out of the ground !!! Just like tomatoes, peppers, fruit and more. No need to add harsh chemicals to this "DRUG" Just dry and smoke. You should try it some time, You know they say don't bash it until you try it and friend I'm 1000% sure that this "DOPE" you speak of is nothing like you would ever imagine !!! I myself have been smoking for 13 years & I'm under 26 I have a good job with benefits retirement own my own house pay all bills on time, but you probably think I'm just some DOPE HEAD. So if you disagree with relaxation and happiness then so be it, it's your choice but take it from a youngster you should really broaden your horizons because life is to short !!

[kenkell1]

WOW "DOPE" Really ??? Don't forget we are talking about a Plant that grows out of the ground !!! Just like tomatoes, peppers, fruit and more. No need to add harsh chemicals to this "DRUG" Just dry and smoke. You should try it some time, You know they say don't bash it until you try it and friend I'm 1000% sure that this "DOPE" you speak of is nothing like you would ever imagine !!! I myself have been smoking for 13 years & I'm under 26 I have a good job with benefits retirement own my own house pay all bills on time, but you probably think I'm just some DOPE HEAD. So if you disagree with relaxation and happiness then so be it, it's your choice but take it from a youngster you should really broaden your horizons because life is to short !!

WOW, your parents should have eaten you while your bones were still soft hehehehehehehe..bad bad pot head boy lmao

[KIDWCKED]

Let the people smoke if they want to.Crimes related??Lol..The lcbo or beer store will sell you a buzz as well as long as the Government gets there share..Control,control..Leave it illegal and maybe the prices won't go up??This harmless activity can no way be associated with pedophiles regarding the law and sentencing.Pedophiles should be hung.And the smokers should have the right to keep on smoking.Peace!!

[bcreek]

I say.... Grow some pot, smoke a fatty, and then find a baby raper, and beat the living chit out of them.... poetic justice :D


but , that's just me ....

BPG~ I 2nd that Need some help ?

[pilo53]

I 2nd that Need some help ?un chaquaqo thats the ticket,de sinsemilla

[kenkell1]

I live in BC, where the ultimate is grown :okay:

[Bigpineguy Retired]

I live in BC, where the ultimate is grown :okay:

I live at my house, where Sour Diesel is grown :tehe:

BPG~

[Bigpineguy Retired]

I live at my house, where Sour Diesel is grown :tehe:

BPG~


and for the record, I live in a state that I can legally have and grow up to 12 plants!

BPG~

[bcreek]

Blueberry kush anybody ?

[Bigpineguy Retired]

Blueberry kush anybody ?

lol.....that was Soooo 45 seconds ago.....lmao...

[D-troit]

Love that Northern Michigan Bubba Kush. But here I am stuck in a state down here in dixie that wont even sell you a beer on Sunday what up with that 1800s thinking. But we sure got some nice secluded mountains. lol As far as the baby rapers they make a tool in medicine called emasculators. It cuts the Bulls nuts off and crushes the veins and arterys at the same time making it possible to whack a bunch of bulls nutz at the same time.

Elect me President and I will pass this bill immediately for the pedos and make it retroactive. :tehe:

[sakefatcat]

Ahhhh.....living in California never felt and tasted sooooo good.

Smoker for life baby!

[Anubis]

and for the record, I live in a state that I can legally have and grow up to 12 plants!

BPG~

I feel a need to move.:tehe:

[justice]

and booze is ok in yer view.... take yer head out of yer XXX.. booze has beaten raped killed more than anything .. when mixed with people....

[justice]

hear hear
i got ya

[Terryl]

OK lets watch the language, this is a family site.

[DSSRUEL]

http://www.drugs-plaza.com/pictures/funny/plaatje3gal1th.gif

http://www.drugs-plaza.com/pictures/funny/plaatje1gal1.jpg

[mj420]

any goverment that would treat grower's more serverily than pedo's should not be in power...imo
now what they should do is go after those damm personal use guy's that phone and come to the door at all hours of the night looking for more weed...lol
Being a father of three....I would certainly have no problem with a pedo going to jail for life...or me going to jail for life if I caugh them first....stoned or not!.....preferably stoned...lol

[Bigpineguy Retired]

now what they should do is go after those damm personal use guy's that phone and come to the door at all hours of the night looking for more weed...lol


I told you after the 3rd time....it won't happen again :tehe:


BPG~

[spannertanner]

"Ask any Cancer patient or ask anyone with MS how it helps them survive through the day."

BULL! Your talking to a cancer survivor and my wife passed away from ALS in 1994. Neither one of us felled compelled to smoke dope. There are other of things that have been around for years and years that are every bit as effective. Oh, I also have Glaucoma. You would have to be a complete idiot not to know what NORML is trying to do. We have problems already we DO NOT need to make it worse then it already is. I have 3 beautiful grand daughters and I do NOT want them to grow up in a country that thinks taking drugs is the best way to get through life.

This is debatable for everyone proven or unproven were entitled to our opinions. I for one smoke and certainly enjoy it. You have a point sir but why think in such a way, no one here is saying anything about it being the best way of life, but maybe a way of life instead. Unlikely your grandchildren will ever have the above mentality, we all have choice whether or not we choose to make that choice its ours to choose! I for one think you should smoke some for that glaucoma (fact) it helps google it. These are my opinions and your entitled to yours, but to try and judge someone who smokes legally, illegally for whatever reason or believe they have is ludicrous. Ps my Father is a cancer survivor and yes I know what your asking does he smoke pot yes. None of this marihuana talk is anywhere comparable to the heinous crimes mentioned here today.

[spannertanner]

I agree totally take here where I am for example, same people time and time again get charged only to be charged again several months later for the same or similar charges. This is a joke seems like...

[Condor]

You all need to take a deep pufff..I mean breath....lol.. Why would they make a natural herb illegal??.. I chew these all the time as they are very medicinal in its natural state.... Only when they process it with chemicals does it become illegal.. Also great for tea....lol...Here is a pic of my plantation down in...Well see mi nick...Hehehehehee

http://i829.photobucket.com/albums/zz217/Bolivia_03/Funny%20Signs%20and%20stuff/CIMG5282-1.jpg


http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k124/jf1235/2009%20Peru/009.jpg