Marijuana
...e 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. What Supporters Say For many, like supporters of the Marijuana Party of Canada, full legalization of the possession and use of marijuana is the only route to take. That is not likely to happen in Canada. Arguments supporting the more likely alternative of decriminalization of marijuana include: · current penalties are too harsh · most resources are now directed at law enforcement, when they could be better spent on the public health and education aspects of marijuana use and addiction. The Canadian Medical Association is in support of decriminalization of marijuana as long as it is "tied to a national drug strategy that promotes awareness and prevention, and provides for comprehensive treatment." · Most of those convicted of possession of marijuana do not go to jail, but do receive a criminal record. A criminal record causes employment difficulties and problems with international travel. Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs The Canadian Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs went on the road in May and June 2002 to find out what Canadians think about the legalization of marijuana in Canada. A discussion paper released by the Senate committee says that marijuana should be treated more like tobacco than like harder drugs. The Senate committee also says marijuana is not a "gateway drug," and does not lead to the use of harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin. The Senate committee is examining Canada's public policies on marijuana. They reviewed research reports and listened to experts for a year. Then they decided to share their preliminary findings and talk to Canadians before they make their final recommendations. Medical Marijuana Regulations Canadian federal government regulations on the possession and production of medical marijuana for personal use went into effect on July 30, 2001. The regulations are an attempt to provide some relief to those suffering from debilitating diseases and those who are terminally ill. The regulations are also a result of an Ontario Court of Appeals ruling in July 2000 which, in effect, said that unless the federal government put a law in place within a year to allow people to use marijuana for legitimate medical needs, then it would no longer be a crime to smoke or grow marijuana in Ontario. Before the new regulations took effect, candidates for medical marijuana had to apply to the Minister of Health for an exemption under the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Possession of Medical Marijuana Three categories of people can now apply to the Office of Cannabis Medical Access to possess marijuana: · those ...