Pubdate: Thu, 15 May 2003
Source: National Public Radio (US)
Copyright: 2003 National Public Radio
Contact:  http://www.npr.org/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1296
Show: Morning Edition
Source: National Public Radio (US)
Anchor: Bob Edwards
Reporter: Mike Fox

US CONCERNED OVER CANADIAN LEGISLATION ON MARIJUANA USE

BOB EDWARDS, host:

The Canadian government is preparing to relax its laws on marijuana. Those 
caught in possession of small amounts of the drug will get a fine instead 
of the jail term and a criminal record.  The legislation also will toughen 
penalties for marijuana growers.  Washington is concerned the move could 
result in larger shipments of marijuana into the United States and is 
threatening to tighten border security.  Mike Fox reports from Ottawa.

MIKE FOX reporting:

Prime Minister Jean Chretien has long sought a change in the marijuana 
legislation and, in an address to a Liberal party fund-raiser, made it 
clear he was prepared for some heat over the issue.

Prime Minister JEAN CHRETIEN (Canada): We are not afraid to take 
controversial issues.  It is the right thing to do, to decriminalize 
possession of small amounts of marijuana.

(Soundbite of applause)

Prime Min. CHRETIEN: Don't start to smoke right away.

(Soundbite of laughter)

Prime Min. CHRETIEN: We're not legalizing it.

FOX: The move, in part, follows public opinion.  Polls show that more than 
two-thirds of Canadians surveyed support the change.  But the courts are 
also forcing the government to take action.  A provincial judge ruled the 
laws had to change because they're making medical marijuana users 
suffer.  However, the Bush administration is concerned that the softer laws 
could prompt another rise in the volume of Canadian marijuana shipments 
coming into the United States. Last year nearly 20,000 pounds of marijuana 
was seized at the Canadian border, a tenfold increase in five years.  US 
drug czar John Walters says border security might need to be tightened.

Mr. JOHN WALTERS (US Drug Czar): Their domestic policies are their 
business, except when their domestic policies produce harm to Americans, 
and then it's our business.  And we've been engaged in some pretty frank 
discussions, and I don't think the Canadians are where we'd like them to be 
as a good neighbor here.

FOX: The dispute over marijuana highlights the strained relations between 
the neighbors.  Canada refused to support Bush in his war against Iraq or 
take part in his 'coalition of the willing.' Bush gave an indication of his 
displeasure earlier this month when he postponed a long-planned trip to 
Ottawa to visit Mr. Chretien.  Professor Chris Manfredi teaches politics at 
Montreal's McGill University and says the issue underscores the differences 
between Canada's liberal government and the conservatives in Washington.

Professor CHRIS MANFREDI (McGill University, Montreal): I think obviously 
the Canadians' stand on decriminalization of marijuana cuts right across 
the grain of the American administration's position on this issue.  It's 
not a new issue. It's not something that's being pushed by current 
events.  But I think it's just another irritant that's exacerbated by the 
contrast between the Canadian and American administrations at the moment.

FOX: Perhaps in an effort to lessen the irritant, Canada's justice 
minister, Martin Cauchon, traveled to Washington on Tuesday to discuss the 
new legislation with Attorney General John Ashcroft.  Cauchon says the 
current law is enforced unevenly, and the new legislation will result in a 
more consistent approach to users of the drug.  It will also recommend 
tougher sentences for growers and traffickers.

Mr. MARTIN CAUCHON (Justice Minister, Canada): Is there a way to be more 
efficient in terms of enforcement?  Is there a way as well to be more 
efficient in terms of fighting organized crime and drug trafficking and 
cultivation?  Yes, there are ways, and it's exactly what we're doing at the 
present time.  And I know perfectly that the United States' side, when they 
look at what I would like to do exactly, I'm sure that they understand that 
it's about being more effective and more efficient.

FOX: Canada's Parliament is expected to pass the new marijuana legislation 
before the session ends next month.  For NPR News, I'm Mike Fox in Ottawa.

EDWARDS: The time is 29 minutes past the hour. 
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart