An annual White House report on countries with drug problems says Canada's relatively lax penalties for marijuana producers and moves toward decriminalizing pot could be an ``invitation" to organized crime that hinders police and prosecutors.
Canada isn't on the president's list of 22 major illicit drug-producing and transit countries, which includes Mexico and some South American countries that supply the vast majority of drugs to the United States.
But the report cited Canada's "lack of significant judicial sanctions against marijuana producers" and marijuana reform legislation as troublesome.
"We are now working intensively with Canadian authorities to address the increase in the smuggling of Canadian-produced marijuana into the United States," said a White House release.
The report noted the Canada, in turn, has expressed concern about the flow of cocaine and other illegal substances from the U.S..
"The two governments will continue to work closely in the year ahead to confront these shared threats," said the release.
Officials in President George W. Bush's administration have long complained that Canadian regulations, which allow marijuana use for medical purposes, are increasing the pot problem.
Under the federal marijuana medical access regulation, Canadians can be authorized to grow, possess and use marijuana.
A recent federal initiative to decriminalize marijuana died on the order paper prior to the June 28 federal election. Police say more pot plants are seized in Quebec and British Columbia than any other province. They cite increased production because demand has risen.
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White House lashes Canada's pot laws
Annual report criticises what it calls lax treatment of marijuana growers
CANADIAN PRESS
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Link
Canada isn't on the president's list of 22 major illicit drug-producing and transit countries, which includes Mexico and some South American countries that supply the vast majority of drugs to the United States.
But the report cited Canada's "lack of significant judicial sanctions against marijuana producers" and marijuana reform legislation as troublesome.
"We are now working intensively with Canadian authorities to address the increase in the smuggling of Canadian-produced marijuana into the United States," said a White House release.
The report noted the Canada, in turn, has expressed concern about the flow of cocaine and other illegal substances from the U.S..
"The two governments will continue to work closely in the year ahead to confront these shared threats," said the release.
Officials in President George W. Bush's administration have long complained that Canadian regulations, which allow marijuana use for medical purposes, are increasing the pot problem.
Under the federal marijuana medical access regulation, Canadians can be authorized to grow, possess and use marijuana.
A recent federal initiative to decriminalize marijuana died on the order paper prior to the June 28 federal election. Police say more pot plants are seized in Quebec and British Columbia than any other province. They cite increased production because demand has risen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
White House lashes Canada's pot laws
Annual report criticises what it calls lax treatment of marijuana growers
CANADIAN PRESS
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Link