The marijuana decriminalization bill makes possession of 15 grams or less punishable by fines instead of criminal charges. The legislation would also give police more authority, tools, and training to catch drug-impaired drivers. In addition, the measure calls for $6.9 million for law enforcement.

"The whole idea here is to make what is now voluntary, mandatory," said Justice Minister Irwin Cotler. "That is the purpose of the legislation, which is to save lives where deaths are caused by drug-impaired driving."

The bill was sent back to the Commons Justice Committee for review after the Tories said it was too soft on drugs and the New Democrats party (NDP) said it was too harsh.

Conservative justice critic Vic Toews said, "How does this government guarantee us that there won't be retaliatory action by the Americans? So much of our trade depends on that back-and-forth exchange and I'm very concerned that they're going ahead on this without taking into account the real impact this will have on trade."

On the other hand, the NDP wants greater amnesty for people already with a criminal record for possessing marijuana.

"With the ticketing system, we may wind up with wider enforcement than we have now," said NDP MP Libby Davies.

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