OUR POT LAWS WORRY U.S.

WASHINGTON -- An annual White House report on countries with drug problems
says Canada's relatively lax penalties for marijuana producers and moves
toward decriminalizing pot could be an "invitation" to organized crime that
hinders police and prosecutors. Canada isn't on the president's list of 22
major illicit drug-producing and transit countries, which includes Mexico
and some South American countries that supply the vast majority of drugs to
the United States.

But the report cited Canada's "lack of significant judicial sanctions
against marijuana producers" and marijuana reform legislation as troublesome.

"We are now working intensively with Canadian authorities to address the
increase in the smuggling of Canadian-produced marijuana into the United
States," said a White House release.

The report said Canada, in turn, has expressed concern about the flow of
cocaine and other illegal substances from the U.S..

"The two governments will continue to work closely in the year ahead to
confront these shared threats," said the release.

Officials in President George W. Bush's administration long have complained
Canadian regulations allowing marijuana use for medical purposes boost the
pot problem.

Under federal marijuana medical access regulation, Canadians can be
authorized to grow, possess and use marijuana.

A federal bill to decriminalize possession of tiny amounts of marijuana
died on the order paper before the June election.