Pubdate: Fri, 13 Sep 2002
Source: South Bend Tribune (IN)
Copyright: 2002 South Bend Tribune
Contact:  http://www.southbendtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/621
Author: David Eggert, Associated Press Writer

MOVE TO OK POT RIPPED

Drug Czar Sees Threat To U.S. Health In Canada Proposal

DETROIT -- The U.S. drug czar on Thursday criticized a movement to legalize 
marijuana use in Canada, saying it would threaten public health in this 
country and reverse recent efforts to streamline border security.

"I don't think there's any mistake about it: We intend to protect our 
citizens. We would have no choice," said John P. Walters, director of the 
Office of National Drug Control Policy.

His comments came a week after a Canadian parliamentary committee called 
for legalizing marijuana use among adults, increasing pressure to shift 
drug laws away from zero-tolerance policies in the United States.

Walters said the United States respects Canada as a "sovereign country."

"As long as (marijuana) stays in Canada, it's Canada's business," he said.

But Walters directly criticized the Canadian Senate Committee on Illegal 
Drugs, which urged the government to regulate marijuana in the same way as 
alcohol and to expunge criminal records for possession.

"In my view, you don't make a major step involving a dangerous drug without 
telling people what the dangers are," he said. "Marijuana is the single 
biggest drug of addiction in history."

The drug czar's visit to Detroit -- the largest city on the United States' 
5,525-mile border with Canada -- followed a Monday stop by President Bush 
and Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

Those two leaders visited the city to report progress in tightening 
security at U.S.-Canadian crossings while keeping goods flowing between the 
world's largest trading partners.

Walters was flanked at a downtown news conference by law enforcement and 
drug officials who also opposed legalization.

Walters' Michigan counterpart warned Thursday that legalization could harm 
the state's young people and make law enforcement's job much harder. Teens 
already cross the Detroit River to drink alcohol, gamble and visit strip 
clubs in Windsor, Ontario. They could travel there for pot and bring it 
back, said Craig J. Yaldoo, director of the state Office of Drug Control 
Policy.

"Anytime you make available a harmful substance, you're going to get a 
large group of people that may gravitate that way," he said.

The Canadian Senate committee's recommendation is another in a series of 
moves toward legalization in that country. Last year, Canada passed laws 
allowing eligible medical patients to grow and possess marijuana.

A number of U.S. states have taken some kind of step toward permitting the 
medicinal use of marijuana. But the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that 
there is no exception in federal law for people to use marijuana.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart