CANADIAN LAW ON RECREATIONAL USE OF MARIJUANAREBECCA RANDELL

EFFECTIVE CITIZENSHIP FORMAL PROPOSAL

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Proposed change

Who is responsible for this change?

Understanding the change

Other options

Case for Change

Steps required to implement this change

Who is affected?

Conclusion

“

”

Cannabis has NOT been decriminalized or legalized in Canada.

http://www.cannabisfacts.ca/

PROPOSED CHANGE

Legalize marijuana in Canada Only currently legal for medicinal purposes

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CHANGE?

Federal Government “Under Canada’s Constitution, the federal government is granted its

own powers and responsibilities, which cannot be altered unilaterally by another level of government.”

http://www.mapleleafweb.com/features/federal-government-canada-organization-institutions-issues

UNDERSTANDING THE CHANGE

Change the law with certain regulations that are similar to those of tobacco or alcohol use

1. Age limit

2. Location

3. Operation of Motor Vehicles

OTHER OPTIONS

Keep the current law on marijuana

Make medicinal marijuana illegal as well

Legalize marijuana without restrictions

Lessen the criminal charges on the use of marijuana but have it remain illegal

Increase criminal charges on the use of marijuana

CASE FOR CHANGE

Meeting popular demand

It does less damage than tobacco and alcohol People die from alcohol overdoses. There has never been a fatal

marijuana overdose.

The health-related costs associated with alcohol use far exceed those for marijuana use.

Alcohol is linked to cancer. Marijuana is not.

Economic benefits Marijuana inmates cost American prisons $1 billion per year

Prohibition of marijuana in the US cost taxpayers $41.8 billion a year

STEPS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THIS CHANGE

Liberal Party of Canada has come up with an implementation policy already Sees it fit to legalize marijuana given that they can and will “ensure the

regulation and taxation of its production, distribution, and use, while enacting strict penalties for illegal trafficking, illegal importation, and impaired driving.”

Have committed to investing “significant resources in prevention and education programs designed to promote awareness of the health risks and consequences of marijuana use and dependency, especially amongst youth.”

Submit a bill which must be passed by the House of Commons, the Senate, and the Governor General. Each house has the right to pass, amend, delay, or defeat the bill. If it is passed it will become a legislation.

http://www.parl.gc.ca/Aboute/Sentae/Today/laws-e.htmlhttp://convention.liberal.ca/justice/117-legalize-and-regulate-marijuana/

WHO IS AFFECTED?

Every Canadian citizen