POT LAW TABLED

OTTAWA (CP) -- The federal government moved Tuesday to eliminate criminal
penalties for simple possession of marijuana but promised a tougher line
against growers and dealers.

The move was hailed by some but condemned by others as moving too far, too
fast.

Under legislation introduced by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, possession
of up to 15 grams of pot -- enough to roll about 15 or 20 joints -- would
be a minor offence punishable by a fine.

Youths could face fines of up to $250 for minor possession while adults
could be fined $400.

Penalties could be greater if "aggravating" factors are present, including
possession while driving or while on school property.

By contrast, the maximum sentence for illicit growers would be boosted to
14 years in prison from the current seven.

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

Ottawa also plans to set aside an additional $245 million for law
enforcement efforts and education, information, research and treatment
programs aimed at curbing drug use, especially among youths.

The Liberal government has promised action since last fall to decriminalize
possession of small amounts of marijuana. Pressure increased with a recent
series of lower court rulings against the current federal drug law and a
constitutional challenge before the Supreme Court of Canada.

Cauchon and Health Minister Anne McLellan stressed Tuesday
decriminalization does not mean 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.

McLellan said the bill is aimed at addressing the "root causes of substance
abuse," not at encouraging drug use.

"Let me be very clear, we do not want Canadians to use marijuana," she
said. "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.

Possession of pot, even for personal use, would still be against the law
under the new regime. The legislative changes would simply eliminate the
threat of jail time and a criminal record for small-time users.

But the Canadian Alliance said if the bill is really aimed at personal use,
it should have imposed a five-gram limit.

"Thirty (grams) is anywhere from 30 to 60 (joints)," said Alliance MP Randy
White. "So when you're talking about minor, personal possession and you're
talking in the neighbourhood of 40, 50 joints on you, I doubt very much
whether that is a personal possession day."

White also said police need better tools to deal with drug-impaired drivers.

Mother Against Drunk Driving agreed, saying the legislation shouldn't be
passed until there is a way to ensure police can deal with such drivers.

Ontario Attorney General Norm Sterling said he shares the view of some
Liberal MPs who oppose the bill.

"This is not a harmless drug and we shouldn't be introducing this into the
community for our young people to smoke," he said.