Pubdate: Thu, 22 Jan 2004
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004, Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

U.S. ON ALERT FOR YOUNG POT USERS

(CP) -- YOUNGER PEOPLE---Canadian or American -- trying to enter the U.S. 
will become targets of increased surveillance unless Canada can dispel the 
perception it is slackening penalties for pot use, U.S. Ambassador Paul 
Cellucci said. That perception might be eradicated if Canada's pending 
marijuana legislation were to include criminal penalties for more than one 
conviction, for possession near schools or possession while operating a 
vehicle, Cellucci said.

"We understand that this is a public policy decision for Canada to make 
just like (some U.S.) states have made," the ambassador told the Canadian 
Press. "We're just saying that right now the perception is that it's going 
to be a lot easier to get marijuana in Canada and that's going to put 
pressure on the border."

That strain won't slow border traffic and trade to a crawl, but it will 
have an impact on border crossings and on those crossing into the U.S. 
Younger people, "whether they're U.S. citizens or Canadian citizens," 
Cellucci said, will be prime targets of heightened surveillance.

"Customs and Immigration officers at the border are law enforcement 
officers. Their antenna will be up looking for those trying to bring these 
drugs into the United States."

Prime Minister Paul Martin has said his government will reintroduce 
legislation drafted by his predecessor, Jean Chretien, that decriminalizes 
penalties for possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana. What remains 
unclear is whether the bill will be brought back in its original form or 
whether it will be amended to toughen its penalty provisions.

The Bush administration has made it clear it regards the proposed 
legislation as a measure that will increase marijuana supply in the U.S. 
and increase drug trafficking.

The legislation mandates a maximum fine of $400 for adults and $250 for 
youths for possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana -- about 20 
cigarettes. Maximum sentences for illicit growers would increase and the 
government would spend about $150 million on an educational campaign to 
convince young people not to use drugs. Fines for possession would increase 
for intoxicated drivers.

'TOUGHEN THE BILL'

But there are currently no provisions to make repeat offenders, drivers and 
those possessing the drug near schools criminally responsible. That's 
affecting the perception of the proposed bill among Bush administration 
officials, Cellucci said.

"I think several things could be done to toughen the bill. There could be 
emphasis on the fact that ... a young person is not going to have a 
criminal record but they are going to have to pay a significant fine, which 
is more than what's happening to him right now."

Asked if that perception was solidified when Chretien mused about lighting 
up a joint after he left office, Cellucci reacted with a nod and sustained 
chuckle.
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