POT LAW CHANGES PONDERED

Canada may follow Britain's lead in decriminalizing marijuana use by making
simple possession of small amounts of pot a ticketing offence, said Justice
Minister Martin Cauchon.

"We're not talking about making it legal. We're talking about the
possibility of moving ahead with what we call the decriminalization of
that," said Cauchon.

"It would still be illegal. It wouldn't be criminal, of course; but it
would still be illegal. (The law would be) easier to apply. You would get a
contravention (ticket) and you would have to pay something. I guess we
would be maybe more effective, more efficient in proceeding that way," he
said in response to reporters' questions after a cabinet committee meeting.

In one of the strongest statements by a minister of this government,
Cauchon expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the current laws.

He noted the law makes drug possession a crime, and results in a criminal
record - sometimes jail - for convicted persons. Criminal records can often
lead to a person being barred from professional certification, or from
travel to the U.S. "Very often the legislation will simply not be applied,"
depending on where you live across Canada, said Cauchon.

Cauchon said he will consult with the Senate and Commons committees and the
public before any changes are made.