MARIJUANA ON TRACK TO BE DECRIMINALIZED

TORONTO -- The Canadian government introduced legislation today to
decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana but set
stricter penalties for those apprehended for trafficking the drug.

The form the legislation took was a compromise between those in the
Cabinet who see the drug as a minor nuisance and those who fear that
anything approaching legalization would increase use by young people

The Bush administration has been vocal in cautioning Canada that
Washington would be forced to increase time-consuming border searches
if decriminalization of marijuana is enacted. American officials say
decriminalization would increase supplies and trafficking.

Canadian officials argued today that the legislation would modernize
law enforcement approaches to a drug whose use is often overlooked by
the local police.

Under the legislation, possession of up to 15 grams -- about 20
cigarettes -- would be an offense punishable by a fine of up to $180
for youths and $290 for adults. But maximum sentences for illicit
growers would increase, and the government would spend about $150
million on an educational campaign to convince young people not to use
drugs. Fines for possession would increase for intoxicated drivers.

It appears probable but not certain that the legislation will be
enacted by the House of Commons within the next few months.