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| You are here: Home > Features > Decriminalization
of Marijuana in Canada |
Decriminalization of Marijuana in Canada
by Scott Fogden
January 19, 2005
On November 1, 2004, Canada’s minority Liberal government
re-introduced legislation to decriminalize the possession of
small amounts of marijuana. Former justice minister, Martin Cauchon,
originally tabled the legislation (Bill
C-38) in May 2003 under then–Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.
But, since all proposed legislation dies when Parliament dissolves
for an election, the so-called “pot bill” fell by
the wayside when the Parliamentary session was ended by then-outgoing
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in November of 2003, and
the legislation failed to be re-introduced in the short Parliamentary
session that followed, beginning in February 2004.
The move to decriminalize marijuana possession promises to be a
centrepiece in the current government’s Parliamentary agenda.
Coupled with recent moves to legalize same-sex marriage, the
new marijuana legislation has become part of a national debate
on a variety of contentious social issues.
Many commentators suggest that decriminalizing marijuana in Canada
is a relatively uncontroversial move, given the drug’s
wide social acceptance and the open advocacy of several notable
Canadians – including the late Pierre
Berton.
That said, there are many who vocally criticize any move to decriminalize
the use of marijuana. A factor that has given Canadian legislators
particular pause for thought is the opposition of the Bush Administration
to this proposed legislation.
Since legislating under a minority government is a delicate procedure,
it remains to be seen whether the marijuana bill will pass easily.
This feature will break down the issues concerning the marijuana
debate.
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- Seminal moments in Canada’s approach to drugs.
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- The effects and perceptions of using marijuana.
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- What do Canadians think about marijuana use?
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- The consequences of the proposed decriminalization of marijuana.
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- Drug laws and the evolution of Canadian society.
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