PM SAYS 'NO' TO LOOSER DRUG LAWS

Despite mounting pressure from his own MPs to reform Canada's drug
laws, Jean Chretien, the Prime Minister, has ruled out the
decriminalization of marijuana.

Mr. Chretien told reporters yesterday he supports the federal policy
of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. But he gave a blunt,
succinct "No" when asked if his government intends to go any further.
He later said he welcomes renewed public debate on the issue, but
suggested it will not change his mind.

"We've made a move on the question of using marijuana for health, and
the Minister of Health has done it. Should we go into
decriminalization and so on? It's not part of the agenda at this
time. But there is a public debate. That's all right."

Mr. Chretien shrugged off suggestions the push for decriminalization
has gained unprecedented momentum in recent weeks, noting the issue
has been debated for 30 years.

The Prime Minister's statement comes only two weeks after all five
federal parties agreed to strike a special committee to examine
Canada's drug laws. The creation of the committee has reignited
debate over the possibility of removing possession of pot as an
offence under the Criminal Code.

A study released yesterday by the University of Lethbridge suggests
more than 50% of Canadians favour not only decriminalization but full
legalization of marijuana.

Joe Clark, the Tory Leader, has said he favours decriminalization, as
has a smattering of MPs from all parties. Anne McLellan, the Minister
of Justice, has said she is open to debate on the issue, while Allan
Rock, the Minister of Health, has said he favours reform, and would
"participate with enthusiasm" in the ongoing Senate hearings.

Late last year, the Senate special Committee on Illegal Drugs
undertook a two-year study of Canada's drug laws, and has since heard
primarily from groups that favour decriminalization of marijuana.

But in a departure yesterday, the Canadian Police Association warned
the Senate committee that decriminalizing possession of even small
amounts of marijuana would weaken both the public perception of "harm
in drug use" and the "moral disapproval of drug use."

"We are against the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana,"
said David Griffin, the CPA's executive officer.

"Marijuana is internationally recognized as the gateway drug for
other drug use," he said, but "people don't want to accept that
marijuana is dangerous. There is no safe use of it in moderation."

The CPA also argued "the cost of legalization will be astronomical,"
noting countries with more permissive drug laws have experienced an
increase in health care costs and violent crime.

The CPA did not mention the costs incurred by the criminal justice
system when marijuana possession charges come to court. About 500,000
Canadians have received criminal records for marijuana possession in
the past 30 years.

The CPA's opposition is at odds with the Canadian Association of
Police Chiefs and the RCMP, both of which have endorsed
decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana.