Pubdate: Tue, 13 May 2003
Source: Fort Frances Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 Fort Frances Times Limited
Contact:  http://www.fftimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2343
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

JUSTICE MINISTER TO ADVISE CABINET ON PROPOSED POT LAW

OTTAWA (CP) - Federal Justice Minister Martin Cauchon will brief cabinet on 
proposals to decriminalize marijuana and then fill in U.S. officials on the 
new bill, Canadian government sources said yesterday.

Cauchon is to lay out his proposal to Prime Minister Jean Chretien and 
members of the cabinet on Tuesday, said sources speaking on condition of 
anonymity. If it is approved, draft legislation could be tabled by the end 
of the week.

Once he has cabinet approval, Cauchon will fly to Washington to brief U.S. 
Attorney General John Ashcroft.

The American government has expressed some dismay at Canadian plans to 
lighten marijuana penalties even though some people in the U.S. are pushing 
for their government to make a similar move.

U.S. officials have told the Canadian government that decriminalizing 
marijuana could cause problems such as long lines at border crossings while 
vehicles are searched for drugs.

Cauchon said in the Commons yesterday that the government has no intention 
of legalizing marijuana.

Sources said that while possession of 15 grams of marijuana will likely be 
only met with a fine under new legislation, the federal government will 
levy harsher penalties on traffickers and that will be emphasized to Ashcroft.

The government would also crack down on illegal growing operations, the 
sources said.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager