POT LUCK!

No Jail Time Or Criminal Record In The Air For Recreational Users

Canadians got their first whiff of proposed new penalties for possessing
marijuana yesterday, with more leniency for minor users and tougher
measures facing growers.

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.

Youths could face fines of up to $250 for minor possession, while adults
could be fined $400, but the new law would eliminate jail time or criminal
records for small users.

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 hiked to 14
years in prison from the current seven.

The penalty for trafficking would stay the same -- a maximum of life.

"Let me be very clear, we do not want Canadians to use marijuana," said
federal Health Minister Anne McLellan. "We especially don't want young
people to use marijuana."

Neither does Calgary police Chief Jack Beaton, who said reducing the
penalties sends the wrong message.

"Although they reduced the level from 30 grams to 15 grams, I think they
should have left all of it to the discretion of police and courts," he said.

With reviews of the new strategy slated for every two years, Beaton said
he's glad to see it isn't set in stone.

He's also pleased to see a greater focus on youth in the new strategy.

Ottawa will spend an additional $245 million for law enforcement, education
and research into the effects of marijuana with programs aimed mainly at
reducing cannabis use among the young.

New penalties are a smoke and mirrors betrayal of those pushing for
liberalized cannabis laws, says the co-owner of a local hemp shop, who
noted marijuana use would remain against the law.

"I don't see where the real decriminalization is," said Tim Person of the
Hemporium, 926 17 Ave. S.W.

Person, who proudly lit up a joint to greet the legislation, said the
substance should be fully legalized, arguing hiking the penalties for
growers would increase pot prices while enriching the dope farmers.

"(Marijuana) should be treated no differently than tomatoes," he said.

"This does nothing to take away public demand."

The U.S. government has said liberalization of Canadian marijuana laws
could bog down border crossings.

John Walters, director of national drug policy for the Bush administration,
has characterized Canadian marijuana grow ops -- as "out of control."

Critics of American drug policy contend strict prohibition laws there have
encouraged a multi-billion dollar marijuana cultivation industry.

New Law

* Eliminates criminal penalties for possession of 15 grams of pot or less.

* Fines of up to $250 for youths and $400 for adults caught with up to 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 15-30 grams of pot.

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

* Retains the maximum penalty of life imprisonment for trafficking.

* Commitment of $245 million more over five years for law enforcement
efforts and education, information, research and treatment programs aimed
at curbing drug use, especially among youth.