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. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager