Legalisation of Marijuana in Canada
On 19th June 2018, Canada became second nation in the world to legalise the recreational use of marijuana. Uruguay was the first nation to legalise marijuana in December 2013. The Legalisation of Marijuana in Canada has again stirred up the decades’ long debate to the legalisation of marijuana. So today we take up look at legalisation of Marijuana in Canada.
Background
The Legalisation of Marijuana in Canada was in the election agenda of Liberal Party of Canada. Party fulfilling its promise introduced Bill C-45 short titled as Cannabis Act on April 13, 2017( just after 4/20 holiday). The act was passed in late November by House of Common of Canada passed the act in late November. Subsequently, Senate of Canada passed the final amended act on June 7. Finally, it received Royal Assent on June 21. The act will be in force from October 17.
Overview of Cannabis Act
The act intends to protect youth from the risks of cannabis while restricting profit of drug cartels. When combined with Bill C-46, Act will legalise Cannabis all over the nation. It is important to note that Canada had legalised medicinal use of Marijuana long before. This act will allow the person of age 18 and above to consume, produce and possess marijuana. Similarly, it makes production, sale or distribution of cannabis products an offence for minors.
According to the act, a person can possess up to 30 grams and can grow up to 4 PLANTS for their own use. However, the act also provides for the further restriction on possession, sale and use. Act also puts the restriction on the promotion of the product. Promotion is only allowed in places where youth cannot watch it.
Implications of the Legalisation of Marijuana in Canada
After the Legalisation of Marijuana in Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted” It’s been too easy for our kids to get marijuana – and for criminals to reap the profits. Today, we change that. Our plan to legalize & regulate marijuana just passed the Senate.”
Also, Jody Wilson, Minister of Justice, tweeted This legislation will help protect our youth from the risks of cannabis while keeping profits out of the hands of criminals and organized crime.
This act has far more implication then one can imagine in Canadian as well as in Global Economy. Tax revenue coming from Marijuana is estimated to be more than $600 Million dollars a year. Marijuana Industry can expect a high growth and spending on Marijuana can rise as high as 58%.
Advantages
The legalisation of Marijuana in Canada has its own advantages too. Marijuana prohibition is a costly affair. In Canada, thousands of people are arrested for Marijuana offences ripping societies and families apart. The government now can earn money through tax revenue over $6M plus the saving from law enforcement costs which could be better utilised for other major crimes.
This act can also put a leash on the black market for marijuana. These black markets beget brutal violence all over the world. Money earned by the sale of marijuana also goes back to these drug cartels fueling more violence. The legalisation of Marijuana in Canada shifts illegal, unregulated, violence prone black markets for marijuana to government regulated markets.
This can also give rise to new industry and new jobs.
Disadvantages
A coin has another side too. If legalisation has benefits it has disadvantages too. In a near future, cost of marijuana can go down as low as tea bags. Although it is not as dangerous as other drugs, it still carries risks like addictions, drug overuse, dependence, accidents, etc. Compared to alcohol which is legal it carries fewer risks.
Conclusion
Green is a go in Canada. Marijuana legalisation was a demand of people. It is a result of years-long handwork of activists. While the act is yet to come in force. Canada can learn lessons from its neighbour. The USA has legalised marijuana in 8 states. Also, Canada can also learn from centuries-old another recreational drug alcohol. Marijuana is not as deadly as alcohol, but powerful lobbying can change this too. The executive needs to watch closely and adapt, improvise and overcome the upcoming hurdles which are bound to come with the infant Cannabis Act.
Written By Ankit Raturi, University School of Law and Legal Studies
