"No Schedule" on Cannabis Legalization

[Boges]

So another campaign promise JT was Full of Bleep about.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/marijuana-legalize-liberal-pot-plan-1.3461745?cmp=rss

The Liberal government has no set time frame for legalizing marijuana, and current laws must be enforced, the federal point man on changes to Canada's pot legislation said Wednesday.

Bill Blair, parliamentary secretary to the justice minister and Toronto's former police chief, told to a group of Senate Liberals during a public policy forum that there will be no moratorium on charges or prosecution for possessing marijuana.

But he insisted the government will take proper time to consult and proceed with caution — and he wouldn't even commit to passing legislation before the next federal election.

"What we're hearing from Canadians is that they want it done expeditiously, but they want it done right," he said, adding he could not speculate on how long that might take.

Blair said there are also public health concerns to consider, especially for those with mental health issues or those addicted to marijuana.

"The government believes that the time has come to enact a system of strict regulations to replace the criminal sanctions," he said.

So basically they want to be able to enforce strict regulations instead of lay criminal charges. Which is what I've been saying in threads in the Provincial Board. They want Pot to be sold like alcohol with high taxation and a centralized distribution model.

So are we going to see strong enforcement on Black Market pot? How can a cop figure out what pot is regulated and what pot isn't.

I think this is a clear indication that growing your own pot for personal recreational use will not be allowed in a Canadian legalized cannabis model.

Blair called the number of Canadians charged with possession "shocking," noting that in 2014 there were 22,000 charges laid. Current laws disproportionately impact minority and aboriginal communities, he added.

This speaks more to a level or racism amongst cops and not a need to legalize at the earliest possible date. The Federal government could decriminalize pot tomorrow and stop people from being charged for simple possession.

But then what about the children!!!! who can already get pot easily now.

Edited February 24, 2016 by Boges

[poochy]

Meh, liberals.

[Smallc]

This is exactly what he promised.

[Boges]

This is exactly what he promised.

Promised to legalize pot . . . eventually.

Blair said they wouldn't even commit to repeal the law before the next election. Cite where he admitted it was 4 year process.

[On Guard for Thee]

This is exactly what he promised.

And he campaigned on it, he is acting on it, and ~60% of Canadians want it done. It is complicated of course, especially when you factor in a number of international treaties which will have to be revisited, so it won't happen with just a snap of the fingers. At least one of those treaties involves the US and so if the Republicans take the WH in November, that will make that part even more difficult. We all know the only action Harper would have taken on this file would be to just keep filling up jail cells.

[Boges]

We all know the only action Harper would have taken on this file would be to just keep filling up jail cells.

Seems JT is happy to be doing that for several years to come.

[On Guard for Thee]

Seems JT is happy to be doing that for several years to come.

Better to at least have some light at the end of the tunnel than none at all.

[Boges]

Better to at least have some light at the end of the tunnel than none at all.

So someone charged in the next few years should feel good about the fact that eventually it won't be a crime?

Or they could decriminalize it immediately. Most cops don't enforce the law anyway, except when they're being racist, as the story in the OP makes mention of.

But there's no money in that.

The goal here is to find a way make pot just as illegal UNLESS!!! it's purchased from a government-owned dispensary with a hefty excise tax tacked on.

Edited February 24, 2016 by Boges

[On Guard for Thee]

So someone charged in the next few years should feel good about the fact that eventually it won't be a crime?

Or they could decriminalize it immediately. Most cops don't enforce the law anyway, except when they're being racist, as the story in the OP makes mention of.

But there's no money in that.

The goal here is to find a way make pot just as illegal UNLESS!!! it's purchased from a government-owned dispensary with a hefty excise tax tacked on.

Yep, decriminalizing it in the interim would make sense.

[Boges]

Yep, decriminalizing it in the interim would make sense.

But instead we get this from JT's former police chief stooge.

"The laws that currently exist, exist in this country and we are a ... nation of laws," Blair said.

"Quite frankly, until those laws are repealed by Parliament through the appropriate processes, they should be upheld, they should be obeyed."

http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/canadas+current+approach+marijuana+failing+liberal+bill+blair/11740898/story.html

Edited February 24, 2016 by Boges

[Bob Macadoo]

The goal here is to find a way make pot just as illegal UNLESS!!! it's purchased from a government-owned dispensary with a hefty excise tax tacked on.

Well seems like SCC just helped out......medicinal users can grow their own.....how long before someone goes after equal treatment under the law if its legalized for all?

[Boges]

Well seems like SCC just helped out......medicinal users can grow their own.....how long before someone goes after equal treatment under the law if its legalized for all?

I did hear that today. And Shopper's Drug Mart wants to sell it's own brand.

I don't know if medical MJ has to have a limit on the amount of THC used. Afterall its not about getting high right.

[On Guard for Thee]

But instead we get this from JT's former police chief stooge.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/health/canadas+current+approach+marijuana+failing+liberal+bill+blair/11740898/story.html

And you were expecting an ex cop to suggest ignoring existing laws? As you mentioned, most cops couldn't give a hoot about somebody smoking a joint. It will be Trudeau's call if he wants to help by going for decriminalization during what could be a lengthy process of full legalization.

[Smallc]

Yep, decriminalizing it in the interim would make sense.

No, it wouldn't - not if they are going to frame this properly. Regulation and sale protects children and teens. Decriminalization is worse than the status quo.

[Smallc]

Promised to legalize pot . . . eventually.

Yes, that's what he's said all along - that it wouldn't be an easy process.

[Ash74]

Let the era of excuses begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Following in McGuinty's foot steps of "It is not my fault"

If I am not mistaken JT has many of the Ontario Liberal staffers working for him now

[On Guard for Thee]

No, it wouldn't - not if they are going to frame this properly. Regulation and sale protects children and teens. Decriminalization is worse than the status quo.

Teens can get all they want right now. What we don't need are thousands of people ending up with criminal records from using something we are on the road to making legal.

[Smallc]

Teens can get all they want right now. What we don't need are thousands of people ending up with criminal records from using something we are on the road to making legal.

You misunderstand - this has to be framed properly to comply with treaties that we've signed. If you're going to make this about protecting children, as the Liberals seem to be, decriminalization undercuts what they're trying to do.

[Smallc]

Let the era of excuses begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Following in McGuinty's foot steps of "It is not my fault"

If I am not mistaken JT has many of the Ontario Liberal staffers working for him now

Anyone who thought this was easy is fooling themselves.

[dre]

I would take all the laws that apply to asparagus and just apply them to pot except that its not allowed for minors.

You can grow as much as you want... give it to friends... sell a little bit at the local farmers market... But large scale production and distribution would require a licence.

[dre]

Anyone who thought this was easy is fooling themselves.

The government could just instruct the courts and police to not enforce the laws against adult possession and use, and small scale cultivation and sales. This is how shops and cannabis bars are allowed to operate in Amsterdam for example. They are took technically illegal. Same in Denmark.

[On Guard for Thee]

You misunderstand - this has to be framed properly to comply with treaties that we've signed. If you're going to make this about protecting children, as the Liberals seem to be, decriminalization undercuts what they're trying to do.

I have already pointed out the existence of those treaties.

[Ash74]

Anyone who thought this was easy is fooling themselves.

Never thought it would be.

But I have little doubt it will be made even more difficult by government bureaucracy all for the sake of "social responsibility"

Right now I do not think anybody here would have any problem going out and buying pot.

Dealers are not picky about the age or where it is sold.

I am sure nobody is happier than the local drug dealers that this will take years if ever pot is to be legalized.

[Smallc]

The government could just instruct the courts and police to not enforce the laws against adult possession and use, and small scale cultivation and sales. This is how shops and cannabis bars are allowed to operate in Amsterdam for example. They are took technically illegal. Same in Denmark.

That already happens for the most part.

[Smallc]

Never thought it would be.

But I have little doubt it will be made even more difficult by government bureaucracy all for the sake of "social responsibility"

Right now I do not think anybody here would have any problem going out and buying pot.

Dealers are not picky about the age or where it is sold.

I am sure nobody is happier than the local drug dealers that this will take years if ever pot is to be legalized.

I'm sure you're right, but this is how things have to work, unfortunately.