Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the possession and production of cannabis, which is also known as marijuana, weed, or pot, is a criminal offense in Canada. For the possession of cannabis, the severity of the offense depends on the quantity. The penalty is a maximum of five years imprisonment for possessing more than thirty grams of cannabis.
According to The Economist, legalization is defined as repealing all penalties from the possession as well as the production and sale of cannabis. Consumers can use the drug with impunity. Decriminalization implies that possession of small amounts of the drug results in small charges but not imprisonment or a criminal record. Larger quantities, distribution, and production will still involve …show more content…
The states have set a precedent in the legalization of the drug in the United States. In Colorado, the Department of Revenue manages the legislation for the cannabis market. The department is also in charge of medical marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco licensing and enforcement. Under Amendment 64, localities have the autonomy to regulate the buying and selling of the drug, including the time, place, and amount of retailers. There is a complex system of licensing for growers, producers, storage, and testing facilities. Retail shops can only sell medical and non-medical cannabis but no other …show more content…
One of the significant challenges for implementing a decriminalized legal system for cannabis is the efficiency in regulation and tracking penalties.
Currently, territories in Australia are facing implementation challenges in tracking penalties and ensuring offenders are paying fines. It is important to have a system in which the police and court systems coordinate their records and files on offenses. There needs to be an efficient system of recording repeat offenders in order to keep track of records and conduct follow-ups.
Alternative approaches to the objectives of legalization
In October 2014, CAMH endorsed the legalization of marijuana. They contended that the current legislation system is failing to prevent drug abuse and adverse health outcomes from prolonged use. CAMH recommended an emphasis on prevention and harm reduction measures by the government.
The Canadian Public Health Association argued that the current approach reinforced stigmatization and criminalization, but an approach that attempts to reduce harm is urgently needed. They recommend investment in awareness raising, prevention, and a policy framework to address addiction and impaired
According to The Economist, legalization is defined as repealing all penalties from the possession as well as the production and sale of cannabis. Consumers can use the drug with impunity. Decriminalization implies that possession of small amounts of the drug results in small charges but not imprisonment or a criminal record. Larger quantities, distribution, and production will still involve …show more content…
The states have set a precedent in the legalization of the drug in the United States. In Colorado, the Department of Revenue manages the legislation for the cannabis market. The department is also in charge of medical marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco licensing and enforcement. Under Amendment 64, localities have the autonomy to regulate the buying and selling of the drug, including the time, place, and amount of retailers. There is a complex system of licensing for growers, producers, storage, and testing facilities. Retail shops can only sell medical and non-medical cannabis but no other …show more content…
One of the significant challenges for implementing a decriminalized legal system for cannabis is the efficiency in regulation and tracking penalties.
Currently, territories in Australia are facing implementation challenges in tracking penalties and ensuring offenders are paying fines. It is important to have a system in which the police and court systems coordinate their records and files on offenses. There needs to be an efficient system of recording repeat offenders in order to keep track of records and conduct follow-ups.
Alternative approaches to the objectives of legalization
In October 2014, CAMH endorsed the legalization of marijuana. They contended that the current legislation system is failing to prevent drug abuse and adverse health outcomes from prolonged use. CAMH recommended an emphasis on prevention and harm reduction measures by the government.
The Canadian Public Health Association argued that the current approach reinforced stigmatization and criminalization, but an approach that attempts to reduce harm is urgently needed. They recommend investment in awareness raising, prevention, and a policy framework to address addiction and impaired