Decriminalization of Marijuana

Decriminalization of Marijuana.

Marijuana is a product of the cannabis plant that contains the chemical compound delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes a mind-altering effect. It has been used for recreational, religious, and medicinal purposes. It is used widely in Canada and up to 32% of Canadians admit to using the drug. The Drug is illegal here in Canada and its users now face a criminal offence charge, and the drugs supporters feel this drug is not worth giving them a criminal record. Controversies have risen that possession of small amounts of marijuana resulting in a criminal offence is an example of punishments exceeding the crime.

Marijuana was first banned in the under the Opium and Drug Act in 1923 then covered by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in 1997. The Criminal code states under section 462.2 that anyone who knowingly brings into Canada, sells, promotes, or possesses an illicit drug is guilty of a summary conviction. A first time conviction for possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana can result in a six-month jail sentence or 1000 fine(or both) and a criminal record. The House of Commons Special Committee says that marijuana is unhealthy the criminal penalties for it are distortionately harsh. The Special Senate Committee on illegal drugs argue that marijuana is not a gateway drug and does not lead to harder drugs and should be treated more like tobacco or alcohol.

Those who support decriminalization of marijuana argue that the penalties are too harsh for small amounts of this widely used drug. They argue the drugs effects are no more a hazard to your health than cigarettes and should be treated similarly. Most supporters who are for decriminalization are still against legalization, and just feel the penalties should be softened. The money involved in enforcing the law can be better spent. The money spent on enforcement could go to research of the drug and said that decriminalization could be tied to a national drug strategy to promote awareness and prevention. A criminal record can cause difficulties in employment, and international travel. The penalties for possession often do not include a prison sentence but the guilty will receive a criminal record of this crime and these penalties should not include this.

Arguments against decriminalization that marijuana is a gateway drug and leads to more harmful chemicals like cocaine- and heroine. Marijuana is proven not to be habit forming but is often mixed with other drugs, this leads to the use of harder drugs. The Senate argues that the percentage of those who use harder drugs is less that 4% those who use marijuana and this drug is not proven to be linked to cocaine use or heroine use. Others believe that decriminalization will send conflicting messages to young people about the dangers of drug use. More arguments have risen that marijuana use is associated with poor work and school performance and decriminalization will lead to higher drug use and addiction rates.

The Marijuana Reform Bill was introduced in May 2003 for the first time, than two more times in 2004 but never got passed committee stage. This was an Act which kept the possession and production of marijuana illegal