U.S. KNOCKS OUR POT PLANS

'Lax' Canuck Rules Called Threat

WASHINGTON -- A 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 U.S.

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 noted Canada 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 U.S. President George W. Bush's administration have long
complained that Canadian regulations, which allow marijuana use for medical
purposes, are increasing the pot problem.

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

A recent federal initiative, introduced under former Canadian prime
minister Jean Chretien, to decriminalize marijuana, died on the order paper
prior to the June 28 federal election. Police say more pot plants are
seized in Quebec and B.C. than any other province.

They cite increased production because demand has risen.