Toronto ? Canada proposed a new marijuana law Tuesday that would eliminate a criminal record for possession of small amounts while spending millions to spread an anti-pot message.

Under the measure introduced in Parliament, getting caught with 15 grams — about half an ounce — or less of marijuana would bring a citation akin to a traffic ticket, not a criminal record.

While possession of marijuana would remain illegal, the bill is intended to prevent young people from getting saddled with a lifelong criminal record,

Those under 18 years old could face fines of up to $182 for minor possession while adults could be fined the equivalent of $292.

At the same time, the maximum sentence for illegal growers would be increased to 14 years in prison from the current seven, while trafficking would remain punishable by up to life in prison.

Justice Minister Martin Cauchon said the law included an education, research and treatment program aimed at persuading young people against drug use.

Two Parliament committees have recommended easing Canadian marijuana laws, and Prime Minister Jean Chretien made the proposal a priority of his last year in office. He has said he would step down in February 2004 after more than 10 years as head of government.

Canada’s Supreme Court is considering a constitutional challenge to laws that make it illegal to possess marijuana, and Ontario courts have declared the federal law against possession to be invalid because of legal questions.

U.S. officials have warned the move could lead to tighter border security to prevent more Canadian-grown marijuana from entering the country.

John Walters, director of the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy, said Canada was already a major source of marijuana for the United States, with an estimated $2.5 billion worth smuggled in each year.