FEDS SET TO LOOSEN POT LAW

OTTAWA -- Jean Chretien may never have smoked a joint, but he's determined
to amend federal law so young people who do toke up won't be haunted by a
criminal record for the rest of their lives.

The prime minister drew applause -- and a few whoops of joy -- when he told
a Liberal fundraising dinner yesterday night to expect legislation soon.
"Don't start to smoke yet," he quickly cautioned the celebrants in the
audience.

"We're not legalizing it, we're decriminalizing."

The distinction is important.

The Criminal Code amendments, expected to be introduced in the Commons
within the next two months, will make possession of small amounts of pot a
minor offence that would be treated something like a traffic violation.

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon has repeatedly promised decriminalization.
But he has put off action for months, leading some to wonder whether the
government was serious.