Pubdate: Wed, 14 May 2003
Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB)
Copyright: 2003 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.fyiwinnipeg.com/winsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503
Author: Sun Media

CAUCHON DEFENDS POT LAWS

OTTAWA -- Canada isn't going soft on recreational use of pot by 
decriminalizing possession of small amounts of weed, Justice Minister 
Martin Cauchon said yesterday.

Cauchon went to Washington yesterday to meet with his U.S. counterpart, 
Attorney General John Ashcroft, to present Canada's new plan to revamp its 
pot laws -- a move that drew criticism from the Opposition because MPs 
haven't seen it.

Cauchon said he was going to Washington to inform Ashcroft about the "broad 
principles of the policy."

It appears that the government is backing off its original plan to 
decriminalize possession of 30 grams of pot. Cauchon said yesterday the new 
bill will now target either 10 or 15 grams.

Under the new law, it will no longer be a criminal offence to possess small 
amounts of pot.

Instead, those who are caught with a small stash of pot will face a fine 
and not a criminal record.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens