NEW 'POT' POLICY A SENSIBLE SOLUTION

In 1969, federal health minister John Munro established a commission of
inquiry into the non-medical use of drugs. Chaired by Gerald Le Dain, the
inquiry recommended in 1971 that the federal government decriminalize the
simple possession of marijuana. It also urged Ottawa to continue strict
enforcement of laws against importing and trafficking in cannabis.

Predictably, the report sparked a firestorm of protests across Canada. The
debates raged for years, resulting in successive prime ministers quickly
dropping any notion they might have harboured about changing our laws so
that possession of small amounts of marijuana would be subject only to
fines and tickets, much like a traffic violation.

Now, more than 30 years later, the federal government has at last acted
upon many of those key Le Dain Commission recommendations.

And, just as happened before, a firestorm has been reignited.

Clearly, many Canadians will be upset by the move to eliminate criminal
penalties for simple possession. Under the new legislation, people found
possessing up to 15 grams -- about 15 or 20 joints -- will only be fined.
That may leave parents, for example, worrying their dope-smoking teens will
be thrilled with the bill, falsely believing it "legitimizes" pot. It doesn't.

But let's be frank: Current rules aren't working. The nation's police
chiefs have said so, as have several Senate committees and the Canadian
Medical Association Journal. Some 3 million Canadians use marijuana
occasionally, so the existing laws aren't much of a deterrent.

Also, the present laws are unfairly and unevenly applied. About 5 per cent
of the 20,000 Canadians charged each year with possessing a small amount
end up in jail. The other 95 per cent walk without any jail time.

Our legal system is clogged with these cases. All that decriminalization
will do is prevent large numbers of small-time users, including those
15-year-old kids, from being dragged into court.

Ottawa is also right in adopting a get-tough approach to growers and
traffickers. The maximum penalty for growers would rise to 14 years from
the current 7 years. Dealers will still face maximum life sentences.

In addition, Ottawa is wise to launch a $245-million program for law
enforcement efforts, education and treatment, especially for youths.

Despite the outcry from many sectors, including Washington, Canada is
merely copying a growing number of jurisdictions, including 12 U.S. states
and parts of Europe, notably Britain. Experience in these spots shows no
higher usage than in areas with tougher laws.

This is a sensible bill, although one that will displease many Canadians.
But the time has come -- after 32 years and millions of dollars of study --
to move forward on this issue.