OTTAWA PLANS TO STIR UP POT STRATEGY

OTTAWA -- The federal government will unveil a revamped national drug
strategy today that softens up on pot users, but cracks down on marijuana
growers. Justice Minister Martin Cauchon insisted yesterday the policy's
merits must be judged as a package, not on one single component of
decriminalization. He denied the plan has been watered down to address
concerns from the U.S.

"All the policies are decisions that have been taken some time ago," he
said. "We've reflected on it, we've consulted with people. It's going to be
a good policy for Canadians."

The earlier plan was to decriminalize stashes of up to 30 grams, but recent
reports have suggested the cap will be shrunk to 15 grams.

But even that's too much for Canadian Alliance MP Randy White, who worries
the government's new package will signal a "green light" towards
legalization of marijuana.

"There is a big concern that the Canadian government is following the
philosophical bent of some European cities as opposed to the North American
issues on drugs," he said.

Health Minister Anne McLellan stressed new penalties for simple possession
are part of a comprehensive plan that will include community-based
prevention, education and treatment programs.

"One would hope that nobody smokes, whether it's tobacco or marijuana," she
said.

Deputy Prime Minister John Manley said he isn't concerned about the impact
on trade relations with the U.S. in the short term, but the situation will
be closely monitored.

Ontario Attorney General Norm Sterling criticized Ottawa's plan, arguing
the intoxicating chemical in pot is up to 30 times stronger today than two
decades ago.