cannabisnews.com: Ottawa's Pot Plan Overhaul Delayed Two More Weeks





Ottawa's Pot Plan Overhaul Delayed Two More Weeks
Posted by CN Staff on May 15, 2003 at 08:02:28 PT
By Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa Bureau
Source: Toronto Star 
Ottawa — The U.S. officially registered its concern over marijuana "growing operations" and smugglers with Canada's Justice Minister Martin Cauchon at a private meeting in Washington, sources said yesterday.The renewed expression of American concern comes as Cauchon delayed introducing the overhaul of Canada's national drug strategy for two more weeks, and clashed with one of his cabinet colleagues over the impact of decriminalizing marijuana.
Health Minister Anne McLellan warned Canada must be ready to deal with a possible short term "spike" in pot use and move aggressively to counter illegal growers of high-grade pot.McLellan said the rise in drug use usually levels off, but a comprehensive health and law enforcement package must accompany decriminalization.She echoed concerns in the United States that Canada's plan to make possession of less than 15 grams a minor ticketing offence may boost illegal growing operations of marijuana."I have made it very plain that until we are able to effectively deal with illegal `grow ops' in this country, we have a major, major problem," McLellan told reporters.Sources said that's the same message U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft communicated to Cauchon in a private meeting Tuesday evening.Ashcroft told his Canadian counterpart the U.S. "absolutely" acknowledged Ottawa "had the right to make its own law," but disagreed with Canada's approach and fears a flood of high-grade pot across its borders.Ashcroft politely but firmly indicated the U.S. is concerned that Canada has not adequately addressed the cross-border and law enforcement issues, one source said."There's no denying that there is concern on the American side," the source said. "What matters now is what we do on the penalty side" against illegal marijuana growing operations to shut them down."Cauchon refused yesterday to discuss the U.S. reaction or state whether their concerns have been addressed, saying he did not go there to "consult" Ashcroft, rather to inform him of the broad outline of Canada's plan. "I just want to be clear," Cauchon bristled."As justice minister I will do what I think is good for the Canadian population."Cauchon also dismissed McLellan's view that decriminalization leads to a short-term rise in drug use. McLellan said other jurisdictions that have eased sanctions for marijuana see levels of drug use rise then "level off" again.She stressed it is important to have measures in place for that period when more people, especially youth, decide to use the drug."It can lead to addiction, it can lead to all sorts of situations within local communities and you need to be ready with information, with education and with treatment. And you have to be very clear about the message — this is not about legalization," she said.But Cauchon said 100,000 Canadians already use cannabis on a daily basis, and the coming legal changes will mean the government will do "a much better job" at combating the problem.McLellan said details of funding for the over-all strategy are still being worked out. Note: U.S. fears Canada's strategy to boost smuggling. McLellan warns of short-term spike in use.Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)Author: Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa BureauPublished: May 15, 2003Copyright: 2003 The Toronto Star Contact: lettertoed thestar.com Website: http://www.thestar.com/ Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmOttawa Delays Introduction of Marijuana http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16299.shtmlLiberals Feud as Marijuana Bill Delayedhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16297.shtmlOpposition Slams Liberals for Consulting U.S. http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16282.shtml
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Comment #1 posted by John Tyler on May 15, 2003 at 09:59:26 PT
No new ideas allowed
The US doesn't want any new ideas creeping across the borders. It might cause people to think that sensible change is possible. 
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