TREATY FORBIDS POT PLAN: GRIT

A Liberal MP says Canada will violate an international treaty if it moves
ahead with plans to decriminalize pot. Dan McTeague said representatives of
the UN office on drugs and crime met with federal government officials last
week to warn that proposed legislative changes would contravene a 1961 UN
drug control convention.

"It would represent a serious blow to the government," said McTeague. "It's
always been keen to find ways to suggest those who are opposed to this are
following U.S. policy. In fact, it's not U.S. policy, it's UN policy."

The UN convention prohibits member countries from permitting the possession
of drugs, including cannabis, except for scientific or medicinal purposes.
Canada risks being viewed as the "Colombia of the North" if it withdraws
from the treaty, McTeague said.