US CONCERNED OVER CANADIAN LEGISLATION ON MARIJUANA USE

BOB EDWARDS, host:

The Canadian government is preparing to relax its laws on marijuana. Those
caught in possession of small amounts of the drug will get a fine instead
of the jail term and a criminal record. The legislation also will toughen
penalties for marijuana growers. Washington is concerned the move could
result in larger shipments of marijuana into the United States and is
threatening to tighten border security. Mike Fox reports from Ottawa.

MIKE FOX reporting:

Prime Minister Jean Chretien has long sought a change in the marijuana
legislation and, in an address to a Liberal party fund-raiser, made it
clear he was prepared for some heat over the issue.

Prime Minister JEAN CHRETIEN (Canada): We are not afraid to take
controversial issues. It is the right thing to do, to decriminalize
possession of small amounts of marijuana.

(Soundbite of applause)

Prime Min. CHRETIEN: Don't start to smoke right away.

(Soundbite of laughter)

Prime Min. CHRETIEN: We're not legalizing it.

FOX: The move, in part, follows public opinion. Polls show that more than
two-thirds of Canadians surveyed support the change. But the courts are
also forcing the government to take action. A provincial judge ruled the
laws had to change because they're making medical marijuana users
suffer. However, the Bush administration is concerned that the softer laws
could prompt another rise in the volume of Canadian marijuana shipments
coming into the United States. Last year nearly 20,000 pounds of marijuana
was seized at the Canadian border, a tenfold increase in five years. US
drug czar John Walters says border security might need to be tightened.

Mr. JOHN WALTERS (US Drug Czar): Their domestic policies are their
business, except when their domestic policies produce harm to Americans,
and then it's our business. And we've been engaged in some pretty frank
discussions, and I don't think the Canadians are where we'd like them to be
as a good neighbor here.

FOX: The dispute over marijuana highlights the strained relations between
the neighbors. Canada refused to support Bush in his war against Iraq or
take part in his 'coalition of the willing.' Bush gave an indication of his
displeasure earlier this month when he postponed a long-planned trip to
Ottawa to visit Mr. Chretien. Professor Chris Manfredi teaches politics at
Montreal's McGill University and says the issue underscores the differences
between Canada's liberal government and the conservatives in Washington.

Professor CHRIS MANFREDI (McGill University, Montreal): I think obviously
the Canadians' stand on decriminalization of marijuana cuts right across
the grain of the American administration's position on this issue. It's
not a new issue. It's not something that's being pushed by current
events. But I think it's just another irritant that's exacerbated by the
contrast between the Canadian and American administrations at the moment.

FOX: Perhaps in an effort to lessen the irritant, Canada's justice
minister, Martin Cauchon, traveled to Washington on Tuesday to discuss the
new legislation with Attorney General John Ashcroft. Cauchon says the
current law is enforced unevenly, and the new legislation will result in a
more consistent approach to users of the drug. It will also recommend
tougher sentences for growers and traffickers.

Mr. MARTIN CAUCHON (Justice Minister, Canada): Is there a way to be more
efficient in terms of enforcement? Is there a way as well to be more
efficient in terms of fighting organized crime and drug trafficking and
cultivation? Yes, there are ways, and it's exactly what we're doing at the
present time. And I know perfectly that the United States' side, when they
look at what I would like to do exactly, I'm sure that they understand that
it's about being more effective and more efficient.

FOX: Canada's Parliament is expected to pass the new marijuana legislation
before the session ends next month. For NPR News, I'm Mike Fox in Ottawa.

EDWARDS: The time is 29 minutes past the hour.