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Pubdate: Tue, 01 Oct 2002 Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON) Copyright: 2002 The Ottawa Citizen Contact: http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326 Author: Randy Boswell Note: Randy Boswell, with files from Tim Naumetz The Ottawa Citizen; with files from Reuters RELAXED MARIJUANA LAWS TO BE 'EXPLORED' In the clearest sign yet that the federal Liberals may be moving toward relaxing the country's most controversial drug law, yesterday's throne speech indicated the Chretien government "will act on the results of parliamentary consultations with Canadians" and explore "the possibility of the decriminalization of marijuana possession." The strong whiff of reform follows several years of renewed debate about the merits of continuing to press criminal charges against those caught with cannabis. Although the use of marijuana for medical use was recently approved by the federal government and a Senate report recommended in September the full legalization of marijuana, the throne speech suggested the government plans only to reduce the charge of marijuana possession to a misdemeanour so that those caught with the drug would no longer carry a criminal record. "It's time to start talking about that as a concern in our society," said Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, who pledged to move quickly on the issue following a House of Commons review of drug laws. "We can't have legalization," he said, noting that "it will be almost impossible to move ahead in that direction, in the sense that we're part of some international conventions and we have to respect our commitment on that side." But he added: "That doesn't mean we can't decriminalize." The Senate report had argued that marijuana use does not lead to addictions to more serious drugs and that the sale of cannabis should be permitted according to government regulation. However, reaction to the throne speech from two Toronto-area Liberal MPs -- both strong backers of the party's top leadership contender Paul Martin -- made clear there is no unanimity within the government caucus on the question of decriminalizing marijuana possession. "The issue of decriminalization, not on, I'm sorry," said Toronto MP Dan McTeague, voicing concerns echoed by fellow MP Albina Guarnieri. "Anybody who believes that that is going to happen has to very clearly take into account my view, (the views) of the constituencies they represent, and the cold hard facts." The throne speech also said the government will "implement a national drug strategy to address addiction while promoting public safety. It will expand the number of drug treatment courts." - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D