The Canadian government overrode objections from the United States and police groups today and introduced legislation to end criminal penalties for thepossession of small amounts of marijuana.
Under the bill, people caught with 15 grams (half an ounce, or enough for about 15 to 30 "joints") or less of cannabis would only be fined, and criminal penalties would be reduced on those growing up to 25 marijuana plants.
"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 conviction?" asked Justice Minister Martin Cauchon.
"A criminal conviction can limit career opportunities and make travel to other countries difficult. These factors, coupled with the possibility of a jail sentence, amount to sanctions that are disproportionate."
He said police would have more resources to go after large growing operations, flourishing especially in British Columbia and Quebec, and maximum penalties would be increased for big growers.
But Canadian Police Association Executive Officer David Griffin said police would have nowhere near enough resources to address the rising supply and said with no minimum sentences the courts would still be able to let growers off lightly.
US anti-drug czar John Walters has warned thatimplementing this law, which the government hopes to pass by the end of the year, could force a clampdown at the US border and thus potentially hurt the world's richest trading relationship.
A dozen US states, however, already have decriminalised the possession of small amounts. California, for example, provides for a fine of $100 for one ounce (28.5 grams).
For 15 grams to 30 grams, the Canadian bill would give police the discretion of handing out a fine or pressing for a summary conviction which, as at present, could result in up to six months in jail - though that is rarely imposed now.
Randy White of the Canadian Alliance, the largest and most conservative opposition party in Parliament, said he had been prepared to support decriminalisation of 5 grams, but he said 15 grams to 30 grams would raise questions of the person's intent.
"If you're talking about someone carrying 50 to 60 joints with them, I'd hardly call that minor personal possession," he said.
Some backbench members of governing Liberal Party have also raised questions about the bill, but the opposition Bloc Quebecois and the New Democratic Party favor decriminalisation.