EASE POT LAW, CHRETIEN SAID IN '81

Jean Chretien helped launch an initiative to radically reform marijuana
laws when he was justice minister in 1981, newly released records show.

Cabinet documents from the government of then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau
show Chretien pressed cabinet to lower fines, reduce jail sentences and
eliminate the criminal records of Canadians convicted of possessing small
amounts of marijuana.

Chretien also tabled a discussion paper at cabinet that, among other
things, raised the possibility of legalizing the weed.

"Legalization and any regulation of cannabis production, distribution and
use would likely reduce some of the adverse consequences of using the
criminal law in this area," says the Jan. 23, 1981, paper.

"Because the conduct would be legal there would be no offences, no criminal
records, and no stigmatization. As well, there would be a significant
reduction of an illicit market, which obliges people to engage in criminal
activities or deal with criminal types in order to supply themselves with
cannabis."

Documents detailing the reform proposals, which were never put into effect,
were obtained under the Access to Information Act. The law permits the
disclosure of cabinet records only after 20 years have passed. Between
January and July of 1981, Chretien joined Robert Kaplan and Monique Begin
- -- the solicitor general and health minister -- in trying to persuade
cabinet colleagues to lighten the fines and prison terms for simple
possession of marijuana. The proposals would also curb police powers and
provide pardons to those convicted under the previous, harsher law.

Full legalization, though briefly considered, was ultimately rejected