It will be the great debate of 2003.

While war looms in Iraq and the 'Axis of Evil' works on its devilish plans, Canadians will become divided with a national dilemma - what should we do with marijuana

If the federal government has its way, people caught with marijuana under 30 grams or roughly the equivalent of 50 joints would get a ticket akin to a parking fine.

There will be no criminal record.

A recent parliamentary committee suggested this option for an illegal activity in which an estimated third of Canada's population has engaged in.

But there is no easy way out of the marijuana mayhem that awaits Canadians.

Experts, users, addicts, politicians and parents have lined up against each other with one side saying decriminalization is the common sense approach and the other saying the evil weed should be banned.

(By the way, and just for contrast, if you have 50 joints in Malaysia or Singapore you go straight to jail and chances are that you get a date with the hangman).

Leading the charge on the no side is former Canadian Alliance leader Stockwell Day who predicts an ugly scenario.

He says that Canada's softening stance on marijuana will provoke a backlash in the U.S. Congress that would lead to harsher border measures on Canadian travellers and cause serious consequences for the economy.

Day says decriminalization of even 30 grams amounts to legalizing use and trafficking of the drug.

Many, especially those in law enforcement and in the United States agree.

U.S. drug czar John Walters and Paul Cellucci, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, have been warning that loosening the drug laws in Canada will trigger tighter border security.

The Liberal government has so far ignored the threats saying it will make laws for Canada based on what Canadians want.

The situation in BC and its largest city Vancouver is going to compound the problem. Vancouver's new mayor Larry Campbell wants to open safe drug injection clinics for heroin addicts - another move viewed as softening the stance on drugs.

Further, 95 per cent of the marijuana known as B.C. Bud makes it way down across the 49th a situation that has irritated our neighbours to no end.

Marshalling the forces on the yes side is Martin Cauchon, the Justice Minister, who has said he wants to rescind the law against marijuana possession, adding a lifelong criminal record is too great a penalty since it leaves young people unable to travel to the U.S. or to take up certain jobs.

The current penalties, he says, are overly punitive.

The bottom line, in our view is that decriminalization is dangerous.

It may give peace of mind to those who partake in this activity but it will put country's economy and security at risk.

Decriminalizing possession of marijuana will essentially give organized crime groups the currency they need.

The supply will remain largely in the hands of organized crime groups like the Vietnamese gangs and the outlaw motorcycle groups.

It will no doubt also lead to the financing of terrorists.

Already we have neighbourhoods full of grow operations that have to deal with drive-by shootings as harvests are being raided.

Is decriminalization going to stop this We think not.

Canada would also be foolish to continue to ignore the concerns of its largest trading partner and powerful neighbour - the United States.

Most importantly what kind of message are our elected officials sending to our youth with this decriminalization move and safe injection sites

How do parents deal with advising their children when the government is sending the wrong signals about the safety and wisdom of taking mind-altering drugs

While our issue is not with the casual smoker, Canada has to strengthen its resolve not soften its stance to fight the evils caused by drugs.

It may not be popular. But it is the right thing to do.