Pot laws thrown out, CBC reports

Jul 14, 2007 04:30 AM
Canadian Press

Prosecutors say they plan to launch a speedy appeal of a Toronto judge's ruling that Canada's marijuana possession laws are unconstitutional.

CBC News reports the judge made the ruling in dismissing charges against a 29-year-old Toronto man charged with possession of 3.5 grams of pot.

The man's lawyer argued that the federal government made it policy, under Health Canada's Marijuana Medical Access Regulations, to provide marijuana for medicinal purposes, but never made it a law.

CBC News reports that Judge Howard Borenstein agreed that this brought all possession laws into question and dismissed the charges.

Borenstein says he'll wait two weeks before making his ruling official.

Defence lawyer Brian McAllister told the CBC that the ramifications of the ruling, if it stands, could be "pretty big."

Article Source: http://www.thestar.com/News/article/235934

Toronto music landmark closes

Canadian Press

June 30, 2007 at 9:58 PM EDT

TORONTO — One of Canada's most recognizable music landmarks is no more.

The Sam the Record Man store on Toronto's Yonge Street welcomed its final customers on Saturday before closing its doors for good after decades as the city's prime destination for music buyers. The company's founder, Sam Sniderman, began selling records in 1937 and the main store on Yonge Street had been in business since 1961.

Jason and Bobby Sniderman, the sons of Sam Sniderman, had announced the closure in May, citing declining CD sales, the increased popularity of Internet downloads and competition from franchise stores as the main factors.

John Fillion, who managed the downtown store for 32 years, said closing up shop is hard because Sam's offered patrons much more than material goods.

"We're not here just selling shoes, we're not just here selling fashion, we're here selling pop culture," Fillion told CTV News.

"People have listened to music just like they've read books, and they've based their real life philosophy and been influenced by the arts."

Even though the record store is no more, the distinctive red neon spinning records on the store front will remain.

Last month, Toronto city council designated the Sam's signs and facade as a part of Toronto's heritage, so future owners will have to keep them.

Article Source: http://tinyurl.com/2c9q8h