cannabisnews.com: Canada Wakes Up and Smells The Green Canada Wakes Up and Smells The Green Posted by CN Staff on May 30, 2003 at 09:56:04 PT By Nicole Shchaub Source: Independent Journal For years, groups like the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), have had one goal: the legalization of marijuana. They've been pushing the idea of more rational and cost-effective policy to U.S. government officials, along with the benefits of this so-called "anti-drug." Most Americans have at least wondered why weed was illegal, and not alternatives like alcohol and tobacco.Since 1996, eight states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, such as easing the side effects of cancer and AIDS treatments. Although laws in certain states may have relaxed, not one has yet "legalized it" outright. Leave it to Canada to break down the barriers and spark one up.Views on the legalization of marijuana have caused rifts as deep as those in the abortion or war debates. However, a study of marijuana's effects make alcohol and tobacco seem far riskier.Canada has reached the same conclusion in devising their plan. They determined the "harmful" effects as inaccurate generalizations made as far back as 1923. Though supposedly few Canadians had heard about pot, let alone smoked it, marijuana was prohibited in an amendment to their Criminal Code. Referred to as "Cannabis Indica," or "Hasheesh," the substance was "inserted into one copy of a previously prepared schedule of illegal drugs." Parliament never really argued against the ban, leading some to call it "a solution without a problem." Only now have Canadians decided to reverse the decision.On May 22 the Canadian House of Commons devised a plan to lowering the quantities of marijuana that can be possessed with "no more penalty than the equivalent of a traffic ticket," to 15 grams from 30 grams, or approximately 20 cigarettes. The officials are also considering raising penalties for marijuana traffickers and producers, due to the new relaxed regulations. This new legislation would then legalize marijuana for users over the age of 16 and be responsible for its distribution. This plan has been supported by recent reports indicating that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco products and people who smoke it should not be seen as criminals.Officials have, however, stated that this new plan still needs work, but it should still take effect within the next couple of weeks. Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has insisted that the plan will result in a positive step for Canada. Canada seems to be flying high with the success of the legalization of marijuana but they still must prepare for unforeseen problems. The United States is anticipating higher numbers of drug traffickers at borders. Washington's take on Canada's new direction has been less than enthusiastic. Though the Canadian plan is out of their hands, American officials will now have to work even harder to prevent the cloud of "harmful" ideas from trickling southward.U.S. drug czar John P. Walters disapproved of the legislation, stating that "the move could unleash a flood of pot into the United States and provide funds for terrorists."Canadian Justice Minister Martin Cauchon has assured the U.S. that his country's "pot plans" include strict anti-trafficking measures. Americans and Canadians can both expect significantly longer border delays, but only our northern neighbors can legally light up and relax once they get home.Note: How Aboot Decriminalizing Weed, Ay? Source: The Independent Journal Author: Nicole ShchaubPublished: May 28, 2003 Copyright: 2003 The Independent Journal Contact: editor theindependentjournal.comWebsite: http://www.theindependentjournal.com/Related Articles & Web Site:NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/What Have They Been Smoking in Ottawa? http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16455.shtmlPlume of Confusion with Liberals' Pot Proposal http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16451.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Post Comment