Pubdate: Thu, 09 Oct 2003 Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2003 The Calgary Sun Contact: http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67 Author: Kathleen Harris, , Ottawa Bureau POT BILL IN SPOTLIGHT OTTAWA -- The federal government is fast-tracking its plan to decriminalize marijuana, but the controversial bill will get a major makeover in a bid to win over staunch opponents. Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said the pot bill -- which decriminalizes 15 grams of weed but imposes stiffer penalties on traffickers and large growing operations -- is being hurried because it's among government priorities that are "key to society." Today, it will be referred to a special committee of MPs who have already reviewed Canada's drug strategy, instead of being studied by a full parliamentary committee. "Cannabis reform is an important reform, and we believe that proceeding with the special committee, they already have the experience and we may be able to proceed faster," Cauchon said. Likely amendments include reducing the 15-gram limit, establishing a penalty system for repeat offenders, and cracking down harder on growing operations. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake