Canada seeks to change drugs law

By Mike Fox BBC correspondent in Montreal

The Canadian Government has introduced controversial new legislation to relax its laws on marijuana possession despite strong criticism from the United States.

The US drugs tsar says Canadian marijuana is already a problem

The bill - now before parliament - recommends that those caught with 15 grams or less of the drug will only be fined and will not get a criminal record or jail term.

But the legislation will also toughen penalties for those caught growing large quantities of marijuana and give new money to drug education programmes.

Canada is pressing ahead with the legislation despite months of lobbying against the plan by its southern neighbour.

American drugs tsar John Walters has warned that security at the border might have to be tightened in an effort to stop an expected increase in marijuana smuggling.

That could harm the $1bn-a-day trade between the two countries.

Inconsistencies

But most people in Canada support the change in the law.

Matthew says "marijuana does not turn you crazy like alcohol does"

Opinion polls show that about 70% of Canadians think that a small fine is the appropriate punishment for being caught with a small amount of marijuana, rather than a criminal record as at present.

And over the past three years a series of court cases that effectively approved the medical use of marijuana, have highlighted problems and inconsistencies in the current law, putting more pressure on the government.

Canada's Justice Minister Martin Cauchon told the BBC that the new legislation will mean a more consistent approach to drugs.

"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 organising crime, drug trafficking and cultivation?" he asked.

"Yes there are ways and that's exactly what we are doing at the present time.

"And I know perfectly that in the United States side, when they look at what I would like to do exactly, I'm sure they will understand it's about being more effective and more efficient."

'Out of control'

His officials point out that 12 US states along with Australia and several European countries have already adopted similar policies without causing big changes in marijuana use.

Right now we're being inundated with high-potency marijuana

John Walters,
US drugs tsar

Mr Cauchon recently visited Washington for talks about the legislation with Attorney General John Ashcroft.

That did not stop the White House's Mr Walters continuing to be highly critical of Canada's plans.

He said Canada's marijuana problem was "out of control" - there has been a five-fold increase in seizures at the US northern border since 1998.

Canada's police forces confirm they have seen a big rise in "grow-ops" that produce high-quality marijuana.

Mr Walters says Canada's marijuana it is now far stronger than a decade ago, and is causing major health problems for American youngsters.

"Right now we're being inundated with high-potency marijuana," Mr Walters told the BBC.

"When it's more available, when there's less social pressure not to use it, you get more use and in this case with these substances it produces more dependence."

Popular measure

This is hardly the only issue causing strains between the two countries.

On top of several serious trade disputes, Canada refused to support the US war against Iraq.

This is a political stunt that suggests it's OK to experiment with drugs

Frankie, psychologist

As apparent retaliation, President George W Bush postponed a long-planned trip to Ottawa this month to visit Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

But most Canadians questioned in by the BBC in a straw poll in Montreal support their government.

Matthew, a 42-year-old computer programmer and regular marijuana user, said it was a waste of government money to fight against marijuana which he sees as much less harmful than alcohol or other drugs.

"I think it should be completely legalised - as soon as it's not on the black market the government has much more control over organised crime. But this is a step in the right direction."

Julie, 20, who works in a corner shop, said: "I think everybody smokes marijuana so we need to change the laws. I don't smoke it myself but I still support this change."

But a psychologist and father of two, Frankie, says the move sends the wrong moral message to children.

"This is a political stunt that suggests it's OK to experiment with drugs - we need to give a clear message about this, especially as marijuana is becoming much stronger."