Discussions

This was a big issue a few years back when the Liberals introduced a bill that would have decriminalized the possesion of small amounts of marijuana for personal use. The NDP are strong supporters of decriminalizing simple possesion of marijuana, while the liberals have been quiet on the subject recently. The Conservatives are against decriminalization, and instead are in favour of a USA style war on drugs approach.  
 
Here's a breakdown of the Marijuana issue in Canada:  
 
-Marijuana was first banned in Canada in 1923 under the Opium and Drug Act. Since 1997 marijuana has been covered by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.  
-In 2000 over 30,000 Canadians were charged with simple possession of marijuana, according to the Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs.  
-Current laws are enforced unevenly across the country.  
-Most of those convicted of possession of marijuana do not go to jail, but do receive a criminal record.  
-All race, economic and age groups are represented in those who are arrested and prosecuted for possesion of the drug every year across Canada.  
 
The Special Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs reviewed Canada's current anti-drug policies and legislation and reported in September 2002. The Committee said that marijuana is not a gateway drug and should be treated more like tobacco or alcohol than like harder drugs.  
The House of Commons Special Committee on the Non-Medical Use of Drugs looked at an overall drug strategy for Canada and issued their report in December 2002. The House committee said that while marijuana is unhealthy, the current criminal penalties for possession and use of small amounts of cannabis are disproportionately harsh. They recommended that the Canadian Ministers of Justice and of Health come up with a strategy to decriminalize the possession and cultivation of not more than thirty grams (about an ounce) of cannabis for personal use.  
 
As of yet, this hasn't become an issue in this years election but is no doubt still a major issue on the minds of Canadians that analysts are saying will most likely be brought up as the election progresses.  
 
I myself am for the decriminalization of simple possesion of marijuana. What are your thoughts on this? Are you for or against it? I'm interested to hear what my fellow E-brandoners are thinking!