Decriminalization of Marijuana in Canada

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Marijuana is currently a hot topic of debate throughout Canada, and has been for the past few years. Marijuana was first banned in 1923 under the Opium and Drug Act, but since 1997 the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act have controlled it. In 2000, over 30,000 Canadians were charged with possession of marijuana. Currently, the marijuana laws are not enforced equally across the country, which has prompted the interest in changing the laws or possibly decriminalizing marijuana. Also, those convicted of marijuana related crimes usually don’t go to jail, but they do receive a criminal record. There are currently two committees researching the possibility of legalizing marijuana in Canada. One committee is the Special Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs, and the other is The House of Commons Special Committee on the Non-Medical Use of Drugs. The Senate committee reported in September of 2002, and stated that marijuana is not a gateway drug. They also reported that marijuana should be treated more like tobacco or alcohol. The House of Commons committee’s report stated that although marijuana is unhealthy, the punishments for having even a small amount of marijuana are disproportionably harsh. The House is promoting the decriminalization of marijuana to make it legal to possess an amount of marijuana not exceeding 30 grams, which is about one ounce. These two committees seem to come to the same conclusion that marijuana is placed in the same class as more “hard-core” drugs such as heroin and cocaine, when it should not be, as they view marijuana as a safer drug. As stated previously, the Senate states that marijuana is not a gateway drug. A gateway drug is the term used to identify drugs that are not narcotics, but their use will lead the user down the path to harder drugs like heroin. Support for the Decriminalization of Marijuana There is actually a political party in Canada called the Marijuana Party of Canada, and it has many supporters. These supporters believe that the only route to take is full decriminalization of marijuana, which is not likely to happen. One argument of these supporters is that the current penalties for marijuana possession are too harsh. Realistically, there is not chance that marijuana will ever be completely decriminalized in Canada, as the effects from this would be damaging to Canada’s relationship to ... ... middle of paper ... ...ere growing more than 50 plants, the maximum sentence would be 14 years in jail. Conclusion Both sides of the issue make valid points, but I think anyone would agree that the opposition to the decriminalization of marijuana has a stronger case. After fighting such a hard war against drugs, it doesn’t make any sense to legalize small amounts of marijuana, although 30 grams is not that small. Canada needs to realize that the repercussions of decriminalized marijuana would be monumental, not only to the citizens of Canada, but also to the relationship that Canada shares with the United States. I do not think that Canada will ever decriminalize marijuana, even though some parts of government support it, the rest realize the implications. Marijuana is a gateway drug that has proven health hazards. You are decriminalizing marijuana, but at the same time running campaigns against cigarette smoking. That does not make any sense whatsoever. I’m sure that this issue will die out in the next few months or over the next year, or, it might be an issue in Canada for years to come. Either way, I don’t see marijuana being decriminalized anytime in the near future.

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