GOING TO POT

One Area MP Calls the Legislation to Decriminalize Marijuana A
Publicity Stunt.

The federal government's move to decriminalize simple pot possession
is a "stunt" that will back up border crossings, an outspoken Liberal
backbencher from Sarnia warns.

"This law is emanating from nowhere other than in somebody's office in
Justice Canada," said MP Roger Gallaway (L - Sarnia-Lambton).

He accused Justice Minister Martin Cauchon of trying to use the bill
to make a name for himself.

Legislation introduced yesterday by Cauchon would make possession of
as much as 15 grams of pot -- enough to roll about 15 or 20 joints --
a minor offence punishable by a fine.

Pot possession, even for personal use, would still be against the law.
But the new bill would eliminate the threat of jail time and a
criminal record for small-time users.

Ottawa also promised a tougher line against marijuana growers and
dealers.

Though some hailed the changes, others insist Ottawa is moving too
far, too fast.

In London, police Chief Brian Collins said Ottawa is sending a mixed
message if it decriminalizes pot possession, knowing the supply has to
come from somewhere.

If passed, Gallaway said the bill could hurt Canada-U.S. relations and
snarl border traffic. U.S. Ambassador Paul Cellucci also warned of
border slowdowns.

Some U.S. states take a tough stand against pot possession.

About 10,000 trucks a day cross the Blue Water Bridge between Sarnia
and Port Huron, Mich., Gallaway said, noting lineups already have
grown with the threat of SARS and mad cow disease.

"This is another indication that this man (Cauchon) and this
department do not think of the larger implications of this type of
stunt."

Under the new law, youths could face fines of as much as $250 for
minor possession of pot, adults as much as $400.

Penalties could be greater with "aggravating" factors, including
possession while driving or at school.

By contrast, the maximum sentence for illegal growers would double to
14 years.

The penalty for trafficking would stay the same, with a maximum life
sentence.

As grownups bickered about the consequences of the proposed new law
and whether it could boost pot use by young people, youths took it all
in stride.

"It probably will encourage it, but from what I've seen most people do
it anyway," said James Copley, a 19-year-old Montreal college student.

But Paul Whitehead, a professor of sociology at the University of
Western Ontario, said it "isn't possible" to make pot more available
or acceptable to adults without the same effect for children and
adolescents.

"The consequence will be that we will have more frequent use among
children and adolescents and more kids getting into trouble as a result."

On the other side of the fence are those who believe Canada's pot laws
have never much discouraged pot use and aren't likely to have much
effect when they're removed.

Former Londoner Chris Clay, whose downtown Hemp Nation store became
the centre of a legal offensive challenging Canada's pot laws, said
the proposed bill is a step in the right direction.

"Maybe society will see in a few years from now the sky hasn't fallen
after we've decriminalized," he said.

Clay sold marijuana seeds and seedlings to challenge pot laws. Police
raided the store in 1995 and charged Clay with drug trafficking and
possession the following year.

He was convicted, fined $750 and put on probation. He appealed and
awaits a Supreme Court of Canada ruling, expected this fall.

Clay said the proposed bill doesn't go far enough and Ottawa should
move to full legalization.

But Collins said he hopes that never happens.

"I think that would be contrary to the best interests of the
community," he said.

"There are serious issues attached to drug use in terms of young
people and the damage it could cause."

Cauchon and Health Minister Anne McLellan stressed decriminalization
is not legalization.

"I want to be clear from the beginning: we are not legalizing
marijuana and have no plans to do so," Cauchon said after introducing
the bill.

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MARIJUANA BILL

Highlights of the federal government's new marijuana bill and drug
strategy.

- - Eliminates criminal penalties for possession of 15 grams of
marijuana or less.

- - Fines of as much as $250 for youths and $400 for adult caught with
as much as 15 grams of pot; tougher penalties if caught while driving
or on school property.

- - Police have discretion to give a ticket or lay a criminal charge for
possession of 15 to 30 grams of pot.

- - Boosts the maximum sentence for illegal growers to 14 years in
prison from the current seven.

- - Retains the current maximum penalty of life imprisonment for
trafficking.

- - Commitment of $245 million more over five yeras for law enforcement
efforts and education, information, research and treatment progams
aimed at curbing drug use, especially among youths.

- - Government must report to Parliament every two years on the drug
strategy's direction and progress.