Pubdate: Sat, 04 Oct 2003
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Jerry Ward, Legislature Bureau

PROVINCE MAY RELAX DRUG STANCE

EDMONTON -- Alberta may mellow in its opposition to marijuana 
decriminalization -- but only if the feds come down from their high first.

"The suggestion is the amount be lowered to five grams from 15," Attorney 
General David Hancock told The Sun about a Quebec proposal that Alberta may 
support.

Currently, the federal government is proposing that possession of up to 15 
grams of marijuana be a non-criminal offence.

While Alberta remains opposed to any decriminalization, Hancock said the 
province could accept a lower limit if it's going to lose the battle anyway.

That proposal came out of a meeting of provincial justice ministers held 
this past week, in which Quebec suggested the compromise.

The provinces would also demand a very stiff fine for possession of less 
than five grams, Hancock told The Sun.

Provinces could also meet Ottawa halfway on the higher proposed limit by 
agreeing that not all possession charges over five grams would 
automatically land someone in court.

"The discretion to charge between five grams and 30 grams would be left 
with the attorney general."

Hancock said Alberta remains convinced that pot possession should be a 
criminal offence.

However, pot advocate Marc Emery said his followers oppose any compromise.

"There is nothing wrong with pot. Pot should not be illegal and people 
should never be punished," said Emery, president of the British Columbia 
Marijuana Party.
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MAP posted-by: Beth +++++++