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Canada to introduce legislation to legalize recreational cannabis

theguardian.com

11–20 of 218 posts

Re: Canada to introduce legislation to legalize recreational cannabis

#11
post #4
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Legalization rather than decriminalization was certainly the campaign promise

Yes but decriminalization could have been an easier first step. So I think it's interesting they went directly to legalization.

It's not without rationale:

'Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fired back saying “decriminalization actually gives a legal stream of income to criminal organizations.”'[0]

[0] http://globalnews.ca/news/2650706/canada-to-introduce-pot-le...

Re: Canada to introduce legislation to legalize recreational cannabis

#13
post #6

I'm curious if all those decriminalizations and legalizations in various states & countries are having an impact on Netherlands' tourism.

I wouldn't be surprised if it had close to zero impact. As much as people like to talk about Amsterdam's legal marijuana laws, I'm skeptical many people visited that country only because of that. Marijuana isn't exactly hard to get and smoke in private in the places these laws are being enacted in.

Re: Canada to introduce legislation to legalize recreational cannabis

#14
post #7

How does this effect the supply chain? Let me re-phrase that, are we still criminalizing the supply side? If so, we're just exporting our violence south of the USA border.

Based on the following quote:

> “We will introduce legislation in spring 2017 that ensures we keep marijuana out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals,”

It sounds like they plan on legitimizing the whole thing.

Re: Canada to introduce legislation to legalize recreational cannabis

#15
post #7

How does this effect the supply chain? Let me re-phrase that, are we still criminalizing the supply side? If so, we're just exporting our violence south of the USA border.

No, they have promised legalization. However there's virtually no chance of this being a free-for-all.

What I expect the main features to be:

- Certified and regulated producers, though not numerically limited

- heavily-taxed.

- no problems growing your own.

- retail distribution depends on province. More liberal in BC, government-run in Ontario.

- separate certifications for places "serving" (ie, pot cafes). Can't take it home with you.

Re: Canada to introduce legislation to legalize recreational cannabis

#17
post #2

Other news sources[1] are reporting it as "legalize", not decriminalize. [1] http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/04/20/canada-marijuana-leg...

What's the difference between the two?

"Legalize" means it's fully legal to produce, distribute and buy. It may be regulated, so you may need a license and follow certain rules, but other than that it's like any other product on the market.

"Decriminalize" means it's still illegal to produce, distribute or buy, but it's not a criminal offence. So you may be fined, etc., but you can't be arrested or go to jail for it.

Re: Canada to introduce legislation to legalize recreational cannabis

#18
post #2

Other news sources[1] are reporting it as "legalize", not decriminalize. [1] http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/04/20/canada-marijuana-leg...

What's the difference between the two?

Legalized = "you are not prohibited from doing this"

Decriminalized = "you're not allowed to do this, but we won't treat you like a criminal if you do"

Rather than years in jail and a criminal record, the punishment would be more akin to a speeding ticket - pay a fine, go on your way.

Re: Canada to introduce legislation to legalize recreational cannabis

#19
post #5
post #2

Other news sources[1] are reporting it as "legalize", not decriminalize. [1] http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/04/20/canada-marijuana-leg...

Interesting, the linked article called it decriminalize, but the text sounded more like full legalization to me. If you have the political support to fully legalize, why take half measures?

Could just be bad/ignorant writing where the author doesn't know/consider the distinction?

Re: Canada to introduce legislation to legalize recreational cannabis

#20
post #10
post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

From what I understand, legalization is a lot more complicated in relation to international drug treaties that Canada is a part of.

Could be. I wonder if they would be the first to fully legalize on a national level? I can't think of any other country that has.

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