KEY ISSUES FACE FEDERAL GOV'T ON DRUG MEASURES

Legislation to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana won't be a
free ride for offenders caught holding small amounts of the drug.

Indeed, the impact is likely to be felt more acutely in the pocketbook
than if criminal sanctions had remained in place.

Under the legislation proposed by federal Justice Minister Martin
Cauchon this week, possession of up to 15 grams - about half an ounce
- - of marijuana would be a minor offence carrying a fine as a penalty.

Canadian Press reported that fines levied against youths could be up
to $250, rising to a maximum of $400 for adults, and the amount could
be greater for what the government considers aggravating factors, such
as someone caught using marijuana while driving or while on school
property.

There's more likelihood those charged with minor possession will have
to pay a fine than there is they would go to jail under the current
criminal provisions.

Such an approach makes sense, a point we've argued for several years
in support of removing simple possession of small amounts of marijuana
as a criminal offence.

Possession of a small amount of pot will still be against the law, but
those caught would not face jail or a criminal record.

A critical test facing Ottawa in revamping the law on simple drug
possession is to convince Canadians that its proposed anti-drug
measures balance the removal of criminal penalties for simple pot possession.

The federal government plans to spend $245 million over the next five
years to bump up law enforcement efforts and enhance programs with the
aim of restraining drug use.

Key to the public education component is the point that
decriminalization is not legalization: drug use will still be against
the law.

"We do not want Canadians to use marijuana," said Health Minister Anne
McLellan. "We especially don't want young people to use marijuana.
That is why an important part of our drug strategy will focus on
strong public education messages to inform Canadians of the negative
health effects of marijuana."

The feds are adding emphasis by proposing tougher action against drug
dealers and growers, including doubling from seven years to 14 years
the maximum sentence for grow operators, with the term rising in
relation to the amount of marijuana grown.

Does that mean the legislation will include a minimum sentence
provision for illegal growers or dealers? That would certainly back up
Ottawa's contention that it's going to get tougher with growers and
dealers.

It isn't just Canadians who are watching for the long-term effects of
the government's plans to decriminalize possession of small amounts of
marijuana.

The U.S. government is keenly interested, too, and will continue to
keep a close watch to determine the impact of decriminalization on
marijuana growing and trafficking in this country and the potential
spillover into the U.S.

The manner in which the Canadian government responds to those kinds of
issues will signal how successful it's likely to be in decriminalizing
minor drug possession while keeping drug use in check.