JAIL AS DETERRENT

The proposed change in penalties for using, growing and selling marijuana
is causing some consternation in the United States where the penalty for
possessing marijuana alone is a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail for
the first offence.

In addition the U.S. has singled out Canada as an increasing source of this
high-potency drug, and has called the proposed legislation a dangerous threat.

The bill may have its drawbacks, but it will deter would-be traffickers
with the threat of a long prison term... yet it eliminates criminal
penalties for possession of 15 grams of marijuana or less. The latter is
one of the stumbling blocks.

Once the bill is passed, likely this fall, fines for possession will range
up to $250 for youths and $400 for adults - which critics claim is far too
low. The penalty for growers ranges up to 14 years in jail, which will be a
strong deterrent.

It does appear, in the meantime, that penalties will be reviewed before
Ottawa approves the legislation. One thing seems clear: growers and dealers
will spend a long time in jail.