Pubdate: Thu, 15 May 2003 Source: Guelph Mercury (CN ON) Copyright: 2003 Guelph Mercury Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.guelphmercury.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1418 MARIJUANA USE MAY RISE IF LIBERALS DECRIMINALIZE POT, HEALTH MINISTER WARNS OTTAWA (CP) - Canada must be prepared for a potential increase in marijuana use, at least in the short run, if simple possession of pot is decriminalized, Health Minister Anne McLellan warned Wednesday. McLellan made the comment as Justice Minister Martin Cauchon announced he will introduce a bill the last week of May to reform marijuana laws and decriminalize possession of small amounts of the drug. Reports from U.S. states that have dropped criminal sanctions indicate there is a spike in use immediately after the law is changed, McLellan said as she left a Liberal caucus meeting. She added that use levels eventually drop back to normal but said it's important to be prepared. "Certainly one has to be ready to deal with that spike," she said. "It can lead to addiction, it can lead to all sorts of situations within local communities. You need to be ready with information, with education, and with treatment." But McLellan's contention was immediately questioned by Cauchon, who expressed doubt that putting an end to criminal sentences for simple possession would boost marijuana use. "I don't believe that," said Cauchon, noting that an estimated 100,000 Canadians already use pot. Given that fact, he said, the government has to find a better legal framework to deal with the problem. Cauchon's announcement that he will press ahead with the pot bill came a day after he travelled to Washington to brief U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft on the government's plan to eliminate jail terms and criminal records for people convicted of possession of small amounts of pot. Under the new regime they would receive fines, and the offence would be treated in much the same manner as a traffic violation. However, the bill will also boost penalties for growers and traffickers. The government is also expected to announce new spending on drug prevention, education and treatment, all aimed at discouraging use, especially by young people. Cauchon described his meeting with Ashcroft as "very cordial" but would not say how his U.S. counterpart reacted. Nor would he speculate on whether the concerns of the Bush administration about decriminalization have been fully laid to rest. He bristled at suggestions that the purpose of his trip was to seek permission from Washington before going ahead. "As minister of justice I will do what I think is good for the Canadian population," said Cauchon. "I believe the policy we will table will be good for Canada." Government insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Cauchon made a number of points in his meeting with Ashcroft, among them that decriminalization does not mean outright legalization. Cauchon also assured Ashcroft of continued Canadian co-operation in fighting the cross-border drug trade and organized crime. But Liberal strategists were adamant that he outlined his plans merely as a courtesy, and was seeking neither U.S. approval nor suggestions on how to shape the Canadian legislation. Cauchon told reporters that holding off on his bill for another two weeks will enable Ottawa to put together a broader package that will include increased spending on drug research, education and treatment. McLellan, who is co-ordinating the wider strategy, said details of the funding are still being ironed out. But she indicated part of the new cash will go to the Solicitor General's Department to beef up police efforts against domestic growers of marijuana. Prime Minister Jean Chretien dropped a reference to the marijuana legislation from a speech Wednesday night in Montreal but told reporters later: "It's coming, it's coming. Relax." In Ottawa earlier, Liberal backbenchers were divided in their views. MP Gary Pilletteri said he can't bring himself to support decriminalization. Paul Martin, who is considered the frontrunner to succeed Chretien as Liberal leader, said in Montreal later Wednesday that "I don't think for a very, very small amount a young person should have a criminal record but I think there should be stiff fines." Fellow backbencher Joe Fontana said in Ottawa he doesn't think young people should be saddled with criminal records for simple possession, but he reserved judgment until he sees details of the bill. Meanwhile, one ordinary Canadian took matters into his own hands. John Turmel, a self-described professional gambler and perennial fringe candidate who has run 54 unsuccessful campaigns for political office, showed up on Parliament Hill to light up a joint. He then tried to take a duffle bag - which he said contained seven pounds of marijuana - into the Parliament Buildings, saying he wanted to deliver some to Chretien. Turmel was arrested by the RCMP and charged with possession for purposes of trafficking. He said he will fight the case in court. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart