FEDS POT LAW PROPOSAL PANNED

The federal government's proposed overhaul of the Criminal Code to reduce
penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana could mean increased
crime and higher policing costs, Mayor Lois Jackson and police spokesperson
Const. Sharlene Brooks warned.

The amended law, unveiled in Ottawa last Tuesday by federal Justice
Minister Martin Cauchon, would reduce the punishment for possessing small
amounts of pot to a ticketed fine, which would not result in a criminal record.

At the same time the law would double the maximum possible prison term for
running a marijuana grow operation from seven to 14 years.

An underage person with less than 15 grams of pot (about 20 joints -
marijuana cigarettes) could be fined as little as $100.

Pot growers would face sentences ranging from one year in jail (or a fine)
for three plants or less, to a maximum of 14 years for 50 or more plants.

Ottawa also plans to spend $245 million a year to beef up policing, educate
the public about marijuana health hazards, and conduct research and
treatment programs to prevent drug use, especially among young people.

Mayor Jackson said giving kids a fine for pot smoking sends a questionable
message to children that drug use is no big deal. She also doubts it's all
that practical an approach.

"How do you ticket a 15-year old? How do you do that?," Jackson asked.

"If you catch a 15-year-old with 10 joints, he's a minor. How's he going to
pay? How do you collect?"

Jackson and Const. Brooks' department expressed concern the changes could
increase drug use, especially among young people. She added it could also
produce an increase in drug-related crime.

"The impact is not going to be simple, or one-dimensional," Brooks cautioned.

"It's imperative that the federal government provide funding to assist
police in combating public safety issues that may arise."

Brooks said Delta Police hope the government will give judges clear
direction about the need to use the tougher penalties for grow ops.

"We need a hard line (taken with) growers and dealers."