A change in governments means that a Canadian push for marijuana decriminalization is dead, at least for the time being.

The Canadian Press reported March 7 that the recently elected Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper has no intention of following up on the decriminalization plans proposed by the former Liberal government. "We have no plans to bring any bill forward," said a spokesperson for new Justice Minister Vic Toews.

Observers also predicted increased drug arrests in parts of Canada where marijuana use has become more open and commonplace as the government seemed poised to loosen restrictions. "I think we're in a dark period right now," said Alan Young, a marijuana activist and law professor from Toronto. "They're going after growers and seed dealers, and more people are being charged with simple possession."

The Labor plan called for treating possession of less than 15 grams of marijuana as a minor offense, with fines of no more than $400. The plan drew fire from the U.S. and from Toews.

"Unfortunately, Harper ran on a get-tough-on-crime, lock-'em-up platform that isn't going to do anyone in Canada any good -- except for perhaps those in the prison-building industry," said B.C. Marijuana Party lawyer Kirk Tousaw.