GRIT POT BILL MAY BE AMENDED

Growing support among MPs of different political stripes for tough
mandatory minimum sentences to deter marijuana grow operations usually run
by organized gangs could lead to amendments to the Liberals' marijuana
bill, predicts Conservative justice critic Vic Toews.

The cannabis bill before the Commons justice committee for study would
double the maximum punishment for grow ops with more than 50 plants to 14
years from seven years.

But Toews said the Conservatives will likely table amendments in the
committee in the coming weeks that would require judges to impose a penalty
of at least two years in prison.

He said he believes stiffening the penalties could garner support from Bloc
Quebecois MPs because of the proven link between organized crime and
marijuana grow ops.