Pubdate: Wed, 24 Dec 2003
Source: Sun News (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Copyright: 2003 Sun Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/sunnews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/987
Author: Tara Brautigam, The Associated Press

CANADA MARIJUANA POSSESSION REMAINS ILLEGAL

High Court Supports Current Laws

TORONTO - Canada's supreme court upheld the country's current laws
against marijuana possession Tuesday, even as Prime Minister Paul
Martin presses to eliminate jail sentences for people caught with
small amounts of the drug.

In a 6-3 decision, the justices ruled that possession of marijuana
would remain a criminal offense for now. In a separate, unanimous
decision, it maintained trafficking of the drug was illegal.

The ruling does not preclude Martin from going ahead with a proposed
bill that would soften penalties. President Bush has expressed
concerns over the bill, fearing it could encourage drug smuggling
along the border.

The court ruling prompted praise from law enforcement groups but
disappointment from proponents of marijuana legalization.

"My huge patriotism may slowly be dissipating. I have a lot of faith
in my country, in freedom and justice, but it doesn't seem like we
have a whole lot of that left," said Dominic Kramer, a marijuana
activist who runs a store that sells hemp products and paraphernalia
in Toronto.

Tony Cannavino, president of the Canadian Police Association,
expressed concern about Martin's intent to pursue the controversial
bill. He said marijuana growing seemed to be on the rise. "We have
more and more 'grow ops' across the country," he told reporters in
Ottawa. "You wouldn't see that 10 years ago."
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