TOUGHER STAND ON POT?

The Liberal government sent cautious signals yesterday that it may
agree to toughen some provisions of its marijuana decriminalization
bill in response to domestic critics.

But Justice Minister Martin Cauchon rejected claims by John Walters,
the U.S. drug czar, that Canada's approach is out of step with the
rest of the hemisphere. The double-barrelled message came as the
Liberals moved to fast-track legislation that would eliminate the
threat of jail terms and criminal records for possession of 15 grams
or less of pot.

Cauchon told the House of Commons the government would consider
amendments. Senior sources say Cauchon is prepared to look at lowering
the possession limit to 10 grams.

He is also reportedly willing to consider tougher penalties for repeat
offenders and minimum mandatory prison terms for people involved in
marijuana grow operations.