HEAT PUT ON POT PLAN

City police are worried the Justice Department's plan to study whether
to only ticket pot possession in future may send the wrong message
that drugs are OK.

At present, marijuana possession means a court appearance and a
conviction leads to a criminal record.

But Alberta Justice Minister Dave Hancock wants to study the
possibility of changing the system so anyone charged with possessing
marijuana would be ticketed and not go to court.

"I believe there's a danger there this would give the message 'drugs
are OK,' " said police spokesman Insp. Harvey Cenaiko.

He said people need to realize a conviction for simple marijuana
possession leaves them with a criminal record, which could seriously
affect their lives.