LOBBYISTS NIX SOFTER POT LAWS

Cops, MADD Oppose Feds

OTTAWA -- Two influential lobby groups opposed to lenient marijuana laws
say the Chretien government is putting the cart before the horse in its
rush to decriminalize small amounts of pot for personal use.

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon is to introduce the legislation along with
a national drug strategy as early as Tuesday, a senior official has told
Sun Media.

Under the proposed legislation, possession of small amounts of marijuana
would remain banned in the Criminal Code, but someone caught on a first
offence would face the equivalent of a traffic ticket.

As with any traffic or parking ticket, the choice would be to be plead
guilty and pay a fine within 30 days or take a chance with the courts.

While there would be a record of the offence, the accused would not have a
criminal record.

"We're very concerned that decriminalization will be perceived, especially
by our young people, as legalization," said Andrew Murie, executive
director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). "Even though that's not
really what's happening, it's the public perception and yet Parliament
hasn't dealt with the whole drugs and driving issue.

A recent survey of Ontario teens by the Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health showed 20% of students drove a vehicle within two hours of using
cannabis, while 15% drove after drinking alcohol.

David Griffin, executive officer of the Canadian Police Association, said:
"Kids are getting a message time and time again from our elected officials
that smoking marijuana is not a big deal.

"Yet their parents and everybody else are trying to encourage them to make
healthy choices."