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| You are here: Home > Features > Decriminalization
of Marijuana in Canada |
Reaction to Decriminalization Legislation
The consequences of the proposed decriminalization
of marijuana in Canada.
The move to decriminalize marijuana is provoking a variety of responses,
both domestically and in other countries.
The United States Reaction
Somewhat predictably, the United States has reacted with disdain
to the proposed legislation.
International trade observers are wary of the potential for American
retaliation. If Canada decides to decriminalize marijuana, the
US will likely watch for any increase in the use of marijuana
among Americans, and may use this to justify retaliation. Such
retaliation could take the form of a hardened US stance with
regard to current trade disputes over lumber, wheat and cattle.
In terms of trade, Canada is very dependent upon the US, with
around 80 percent of Canada’s exports going to the United
States.
In this way, Canadian lawmakers are susceptible to pressure from
their American colleagues; the Canadian government will likely
introduce regulatory measures to pacify the White House.
Carleton political science professor Michael Dolan advises that
the Canadian government should make an effort to take these possible
negative trade effects into consideration when making decisions
regarding the decriminalization of marijuana, but he also says, “U.S.
opposition will mute over time.”
Other Countries Reaction
A number of European countries, as well as Australia, have already
moved to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Most prominently, the Dutch government liberalized its marijuana
policies in the late 1970s.
Spain decriminalized the private use of cannabis in 1983. Germany
has moved slowly toward liberalized marijuana laws over the years,
while Luxemburg, Belgium, and Switzerland have all moved in the
direction of decriminalization.
Somewhat ironically, considering the White House’s opposition
to decriminalization, twelve US states have also decriminalized
the possession of small amounts of marijuana. They include: Alaska,
California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska,
Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oregon.
Police Reaction
There are mixed reactions from Canadian police forces. One prominent
police association advocates for the decriminalization of marijuana,
while another feels this move is premature.
he Canadian Association of Chiefs
of Police argues that law enforcement spends too much
of its time and resources on petty drug possession charges
while major producers and traffickers expand their operations.
Decriminalization, they argue, will free up vital resources.
On the other hand, the Canadian
Professional Police Association (CPPA) feels that decriminalization
is irresponsible. Testifying for The Special
Senate Committee on Illegal Drugs, CPPA Executive Director
David Griffin has argued that most first-time offenders
don't get criminal records anyway. The CPPA fears that
decriminalization will lead to an increase in the use of
harder drugs.
Doctors Reaction
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA)
argues that the criminal approach to marijuana is unnecessary
and misguided. An editorial published
by the CMA called the health effects of moderate marijuana use, "minimal.” The
CMA continues to advocate emphasizing education and addiction
treatment in any approach relating to drug use.
Impact on Organized Crime
It is estimated the British Columbian marijuana industry alone
is worth around $4 billion. Organized crime syndicates, such
as the Hells Angels,
control the majority of this industry. One effect of the legislation,
should it become law, would be to refocus the efforts of police
and the judicial system on breaking these syndicates.
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