The Legalization of Marijuana in Canada

ganja, also referred to as cannabis, pot, dope, Mary Jane and m either other track names, is a strong smelling plant from whose dried leaves a number of euphoriant and hallucinogenic drugs are prepared. It is the most use illicit drug in North America and is on a rise in all age groups (Canadian marihuana related statistics, 2003). So why is cannabis still punishable if it has so many positive factors? Marijuana should be statutory because it is a multi-billion dollar industry, it is beneficial to medical patients and research, and it has less pernicious effects when compared to Canadas other two legal drugs, tobacco and alcohol. more feel marijuana should not be legalized because it is considered a entry drug, but in fact only 10% of people that smoked marijuana become addicted and go on to try other drugs like heroin and cocaine (The Marijuana Debate, 2003).

                 Marijuana was declared illegal in Canada in 1923 under the Opium and Drug Act, and since 1997, marijuana has been under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Decriminalization of Marijuana in Canada, 2003). Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Marijuana is a Schedule 2 offense, meaning cannabis, its preparations, derivatives and similar synthetic preparations (Greenspan, s.3). This includes cannabis resin, cannabis (marijuana) and any other cannabis related substance.



Possession of marijuana is an indictable offence punishable on summary conviction (Greenspan, s.3). For a first term offence, the punishment is either a virtuoso thousand dollar bonny or a objurgate of six months in jail, and for a subsequent offence the punishment is either a two thousand dollar fine or a sentence of one year in jail (Greenspan, s.3). These consequences are very harsh for just possessing marijuana and they are much harsher for trafficking.

                 Right now in Canada, the laws on...

If you ask to get a full essay, order it on our website: Ordercustompaper.com



If you want to get a full essay, wisit our page: write my paper