Pubdate: Thu, 05 Nov 2015
Source: Prince George Citizen (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Prince George Citizen
Contact:  http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/350
Note: Editorial from - Winnipeg Free Press
Page: 6

A POT PLAN TO CHANGE THE WORLD

The fact Canada, a G7 nation respected around the world, is looking 
at legalization will add momentum to rising demands, particularly 
from poorer, drug-producing countries, to adopt a new approach on drug use.

Justin Trudeau may not realize it yet, but his plan to legalize 
marijuana is likely to have a profound effect on international drug 
policy, possibly leading to a reappraisal of the failed war on drugs.

Canada would also run afoul of at least three international drug 
conventions to which it is a signatory.

These agreements require Canada to do its part to halt the use and 
trafficking of illegal drugs, including marijuana.

While many countries have liberalized their laws on pot, only one 
other country - Uruguay - has legalized it. Four American states have 
also made recreational use of marijuana legal, but Washington still 
adheres to the international agreements and is officially opposed to 
legalization.

When Uruguay went its own way two years ago, the United Nations 
warned the country it was breaking international law.

Earlier this year, the UN's international narcotics control board 
increased its pressure on the South American country, while also 
cautioning the United States about the violations in its own house.

There is also a growing movement around the world and even within the 
United States to re-evaluate the 50-year-old war on drugs, which some 
critics say is really a war on people and a violation of human rights.

The fact Canada, a G7 nation respected around the world, is looking 
at legalization will add momentum to rising demands, particularly 
from poorer, drug-producing countries, to adopt a new approach on drug use.

In particular, they emphasize the need for harm reduction, which is 
impossible when drugs are illegal, a situation that strengthens gangs 
and increases the health risks to drug users, both through violence 
and the spread of disease. It has also led to the imprisonment of 
millions of people around the world.

Critics of the current regime of drug laws say Canada's legalization 
of marijuana, assuming Trudeau follows through on his campaign 
promise, could have a ripple effect around the world.

Countries such as Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, for example, 
which tolerate the recreational use of marijuana, could follow 
Canada's lead. Even Mexico, long an ally of the Americans in the war 
on drugs, is considering legalizing cannabis.

And if more countries follow in their steps, the old drug conventions 
and outdated prejudices may start to wither away.

Trudeau's election is timely in other ways. A special session of the 
United Nations General Assembly on the world drug problem next year 
will review existing drug policies. There are strong differences of 
opinion on the issue, but also an increasing sense that strict 
enforcement is doing more harm than good, not just with regard to 
marijuana, but the whole range of illegal drugs.

A UN document, which was later withdrawn, said personal consumption 
of all drugs should be decriminalized. It added doing so "may be 
required to meet obligations under international human rights law."

The current approach, the paper said, "contributed to public health 
problems and induced negative consequences for safety, security and 
human rights."

Again, Trudeau's plan may turn out to be far more visionary than he 
imagined if it has the effect of persuading more developed nations 
that criminal law is an inappropriate tool for managing drug use.

If Canada legalizes marijuana, the UN and other countries could 
eventually decide to promote a revolutionary approach that allows the 
recreational use of all drugs. Pity the Hells Angels and the drug cartels.

- - Winnipeg Free Press
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom