GRIT BILL TO BOOST POT USE?

McLellan predicts temporary spike in consumption

OTTAWA -- Canada must be prepared for a potential increase in marijuana
use, at least in the short run, if simple possession of pot is
decriminalized, Health Minister Anne McLellan warned yesterday.

McLellan made the comment as Justice Minister Martin Cauchon announced he
will introduce a bill the last week of May to reform marijuana laws and
decriminalize possession of small amounts of the drug.

Reports from U.S. states that have dropped criminal sanctions indicate
there is a spike in use immediately after the law is changed, McLellan said
as she left a Liberal caucus meeting.

She added that use eventually drops back to normal but said it's important
to be prepared.

"Certainly one has to be ready to deal with that spike. It can lead to
addiction, it can lead to all sorts of situations within local communities.
You need to be ready with information, with education, and with treatment."

But McLellan's contention was immediately questioned by Cauchon, who
expressed doubt that putting an end to criminal sentences for simple
possession would boost marijuana use. "I don't believe that," said Cauchon,
noting that an estimated 100,000 Canadians already use pot.

Given that fact, he said, the government has to find a better legal
framework to deal with the problem.

Cauchon's announcement he will press ahead with the pot bill came a day
after he went to Washington to brief U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft on
the plan to eliminate jail terms and criminal records for people convicted
of possessing small amounts of pot.

Under the new regime they would receive fines, and the offence would be
treated in much the same manner as a traffic violation.

However, the bill will also boost penalties for growers and traffickers.
The government is also expected to announce new spending on drug
prevention, education and treatment, all aimed at discouraging use,
especially by young people.

Cauchon described his meeting with Ashcroft as "very cordial" but would not
say how his U.S. counterpart reacted. Government insiders, speaking on
condition of anonymity, said Cauchon assured Ashcroft of continued Canadian
co-operation in fighting the cross-border drug trade and organized crime.