CANADA WORKING TO CUT POT USE

Editor:

Regarding your mention that Canada was "legalizing small amounts of
marijuana" in your Tuesday editorial, it is important to note the
distinction that marijuana possession remains illegal in Canada,
except for tightly controlled medical purposes.

Under proposed legislation before the Canadian Parliament, penalties
would include fines, parental notification for youth under the age of
18, and discretion to provide criminal penalties for possession of
more than 15 grams. The legislation also includes increased penalties
for traffickers and those who grow marijuana, reflecting its overall
purpose: to reduce the consumption and supply of marijuana.

We all recognize the importance of reducing dependency on illicit and
licit drugs, despite different approaches, and the law the Canadian
government is proposing reflects that goal.

Bernard Etzinger, Spokesman, Canadian Embassy, Washington