cannabisnews.com: PM Tables Relaxed Marijuana Law





PM Tables Relaxed Marijuana Law
Posted by CN Staff on May 27, 2003 at 08:54:05 PT
By Jim Brown, Canadian Press
Source: Canadian Press 
Ottawa - The federal government moved today to eliminate criminal penalties for simple possession of marijuana, but promised a tougher line against growers and dealers. Under legislation introduced by Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, possession of up to 15 grams of pot - enough to roll about 15 or 20 joints - would be a minor offence punishable by a fine. Youths could face fines of up to $250 for minor possession while adults could be fined $400. 
Penalties could be greater if "aggravating" factors are present, including possession while driving or while on school property. By contrast, the maximum sentence for illicit growers would be boosted to 14 years in prison from the current seven. The penalty for trafficking would stay the same, with a maximum life sentence. Ottawa also plans to set aside an additional $245 million for law enforcement efforts and education, information, research and treatment programs aimed at curbing drug use, especially among youths. The Liberal government had been promising action since last fall to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Pressure increased with a recent series of lower court rulings against the current federal drug law, and a constitutional challenge currently before the Supreme Court of Canada. Cauchon, Health Minister Anne McLellan and Solicitor General Wayne Easter have all been adamant that decriminalization does not mean legalization. "I want to be clear from the beginning: we are not legalizing marijuana and have no plans to do so," Cauchon said after introducing the bill Tuesday. McLellan stressed that the bill is aimed at addressing the "root causes of substance abuse," not at encouraging drug use. "Let me be very clear, we do not want Canadians to use marijuana," she said. "We especially don't want young people to use marijuana. That is why an important part of our drug strategy will focus on strong public education messages to inform Canadians of the negative health affects of marijuana. Possession of pot, even for personal use, would still be against the law under the new regime. The legislative changes would simply eliminate the threat of jail time and a criminal record for small-time users. All the same, the prospect of decriminalization in Canada has raised the hackles of some U.S. officials. Paul Cellucci, the American ambassador to Ottawa, has warned of potential border snarls as U.S. customs officers pay closer attention to travellers headed south. John Walters, director of national drug policy for the Bush administration, has characterized the Canadian marijuana trade - and especially illegal grow operations - as "out of control." Cauchon has noted, however, that a dozen U.S. states have already done away with criminal sanctions for simple possession of pot. On a recent trip to Washington, Cauchon assured U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft that Canada will continue to co-operate in police efforts against the illicit drug trade, organized crime and international money laundering. Note: Under new legislation, possession of small amounts results in fine.Source: Canadian Press Author: Jim Brown, Canadian PressPublished: Tuesday, May 27, 2003 Copyright: 2003 The Canadian PressRelated Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmLiberals Move To Soften Drug Lawshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16401.shtmlPot Bill To Be Paired with Anti-Drug Initiative http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16396.shtmlOttawa To Preach Perils of Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16395.shtml
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