Pubdate: Tue, 24 Jun 2003 Source: Canadian Medical Association Journal (Canada) Copyright: 2003 Canadian Medical Association Contact: http://www.cmaj.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/754 Author: Steve Wharry "MARIJUANA IS HARMFUL AND WILL REMAIN ILLEGAL": OTTAWA The federal government has proposed a 5-year strategy to combat illicit drug use, but critics say the framework sits on a flimsy financial foundation. The $245-million strategy is based in part on lighter penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and on increased public education about risks associated with use of the drug. "These legislative reforms will ensure that our possession laws can be enforced more effectively while at the same time [we] toughen penalties against cannabis grow operations," Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said May 27. "Our message to Canadians and especially our young people is clear -- marijuana is harmful and it will remain illegal." CMA President Dana Hanson says the government is providing less than half of the money it promised to support the plan. "We are very concerned that the strategy lacks the funding to have a meaningful impact," he said. Cauchon said the bill recognizes that "most Canadians feel it is inappropriate" that a person with a small amount of marijuana faces a criminal conviction. The bill proposes a scale of fines for people who have less than 15 g of marijuana or between 15 g and 30 g. Those with more than 30 g still face prosecution and possible prison terms. Addiction experts are taking a wait-and-see attitude. "It's too soon to tell ... whether this strategy is enough," said Dr. David Marsh, president of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. "We look forward to having those leading the strategy report every 2 years to see how well this program is working." - --- MAP posted-by: Alex