SOFT LAWS MAY STALL BORDERS

OTTAWA -- Softer Canadian laws on pot possession for personal use could
cause longer lineups at the border, the U.S. ambassador to Canada warned
yesterday.

Paul Cellucci said it's an "internal decision" for Canada to make, but in an
interview with Sun Media, he added, "The only concern we have is (if it
will) have an impact on the border, because we're trying to make sure that
we take pressure off the border."

The ambassador noted that U.S. customs and immigration officers are there to
enforce the law.

"If you're a law enforcement officer and if you think that something is more
readily available here, your antennae are going to be up as people cross the
border and it will probably lead to more inspections," said Cellucci.

DRUG CZAR CONCERNED

U.S. officials began expressing concerns this week when Prime Minister Jean
Chretien said legislation to decriminalize simple possession of small
amounts of grass for personal use would be introduced soon.

"I'm sure this is one that the (U.S.) drug czar Mr. (John) Walters is
concerned about because that's his job," Cellucci said. "His job is to try
to make sure we don't have people using illegal drugs and getting addicted
to drugs."

Walters has said more kids in the U.S. need treatment for marijuana
dependence than all other drugs combined.

In an interview last year he said, 60% of drug abusers are marijuana
dependent.