Pubdate: Thu, 15 Aug 2013
Source: Metropolitain, The (CN QU)
Copyright: 2013 The Metropolitain
Contact:  http://www.themetropolitain.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5467
Author: Dylan Jones
Note: Dylan Jones is a defence attorney with the firm of Boro, 
Polnicky, Lighter

IT'S TIME TO LEGALIZE

The legalization of marijuana is our generation's answer to the 
prohibition of alcohol. Although the true rate of marijuana use among 
North American adults varies depending on who's asking, it is 
generally accepted that a substantial portion of the population uses, 
has used or will use marijuana at some point. A good indicator of 
this is the recent decisions by the Washington and Colorado 
electorates to legalize marijuana in those states. Marijuana is also 
legal in Portugal, Uruguay and the Netherlands. Despite its high 
usage, legislators around the world and here in Canada have clung to 
the notion that marijuana should remain illegal. Their position is 
outdated and must change.

The criminalization of marijuana has done little to slow its 
widespread usage and has made billionaires out of those who sell it 
underground. This business has wreaked havoc across the globe with 
countries like Mexico hardest hit by never-ending drug wars. Perhaps 
the fact that these wars typically go on in less developed countries, 
far from our own backyards explains the fact that our legislators 
refuse to budge on this issue.

However, criminalization of marijuana has a major negative effect on 
the home front. It has ensured that underage users, some of whom will 
inevitably choose to experiment at an early age, will have direct 
contact with drug dealers before their 18th birthdays. Due to 
criminalization, all of the many users of marijuana regularly consume 
a drug that is unregulated and unchecked, the modern-day equivalent 
of drinking moonshine.

Making matters worse, being caught in possession of marijuana in 
Canada can lead to a criminal record that will prevent travel to the 
US and have an impact on future job prospects. Ironically, someone 
caught and convicted for smoking a joint will be ineligible to enter 
a country in which the past three presidents, including Barack Obama, 
have all admitted marijuana use.

Supporters of criminalization argue that despite any positives of 
legalization, its main downfall is that it will inevitably increase 
use of a harmful drug. This seems like a logical conclusion. However, 
the example of Portugal does not support this supposed truth. 
Portugal legalized marijuana and all other drugs over ten years ago. 
Studies have shown that this did not increase usage or abuse of any 
drug. In fact, reducing the stigma attached to drugs and drug abuse 
made treatment more available and realistic for those who needed it. 
Although too early to tell, it will be interesting to see what 
results of similar studies will yield south of the border.

Considering its widespread use, there are too many examples of lives 
held hostage by marijuana arrests and prosecutions in Canada. The 
user who gets caught is stigmatized, despite the fact that large 
portions of the population from all walks of life continue to commit 
the same "crime." It is to be hoped that the newly re-opened debate 
is indicative of a shift in Canada's arcane position on marijuana, 
away from prohibition and towards responsible legalization and regulation.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom