Bill Introduced to Decriminalize Marijuana in Canada May 30, 2003
News Summary
Despite firm opposition from the U.S.'s Bush administration, Canada's ruling Liberal Party introduced a bill in Parliament that would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, the Washington Post reported May 28.Under the measure, the punishment for possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana would be reduced to a "ticketing offense," with fines of up to $290 for adults and $182 for minors.
"Cannabis consumption is first and foremost a health matter. It should not result in criminal penalties," said Justice Minister Martin Cauchon, who introduced the bill. "We have to ask ourselves as a society: Does it make sense that a person who makes a bad choice can receive the lasting burden of a criminal record? The legislation I introduced today will make sure the punishment fits the crime."
U.S. officials are concerned that if Canada relaxes its marijuana laws it would increase smuggling across the border.
"Some of the strongest and most dangerous marijuana on the U.S. market is coming from Canada," said John P. Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. "That production has been rapidly expanding and is largely unchecked."
But Walters said he was pleased that the bill was not outright legalization, as originally discussed.
According to Canadian officials, about $4 billion to $7 billion worth of Canadian marijuana is sold in the United States each year.
Political analysts predict the bill would be approved because of the Liberal Party's strong majority in Parliament.
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