It's not about promoting dope

They are not criminals and do not believe they should be treated as such.

This was the messaged heard loud and clear in downtown Kelowna Monday, as volunteer canvassers targeted registered voters during day one of the Sensible BC campaign.

Canvasser Darrin Howard says he wants people to know this campaign is not about promoting dope smoking.

Photo: Jennifer Zielinski - Kelowna

"This is about a realistic change within the law that is about getting seven billion dollars out of the hands of gangsters."

The law the campaign seeks to change is the police act, which according to Cindy Heemeryck, means putting an end to,  "arresting, detaining and charging anyone for simple possession of marijuana in the province."

But 10 per cent of registered voters will have to put the pen to the paper in all of the province's 85 ridings for the petition to either force a vote in the legislature or a province wide, non-binding referendum.

Here in the Okanagan approximately 20,000 signatures will be needed in the three ridings.

While several supporters came down to the WAC Bennett Clock to help kick off the campaign, many other passerby's, who were unaware of the grassroots initiative, did not hesitate to sign the petition.

One woman told Castanet, "There are a lot of benefits for marijuana and if you were to tax like you were for alcohol that money could go into things like the educational programs that are under funded and our medical system."

Others claimed they believe charging or arresting those possessing marijuana is a waste of police time that could be better spent on other matters.

Heemeryck believes the Sensible BC campaign will have success in the Okanagan and expects to receive 1000 signatures by the end of the week.

"We don't think we will have a problem, we think people will come out and sign the petition."

For more information about the Sensible BC campaign and the Sensible Policing Act, you can visit the website.