The Solutions

The current marijuana prohibition is failing. There are two views on how to change this: legalise marijuana, for once and for all; or create stricter laws and consequences for those involved with this drug. 44% of the US public support growing marijuana for legal use. ("A Federal Misstep with Medical Marijuana") This is a much lower number than Canadians who support the same cause.

Google images: map with Canadian American;
www.profari.com

Although throughout this blog I have spoken to Canada and the United States almost interchangeably, regarding "solutions" these two countries seem to have opposing positions.

"Drug policies [in America] are more punitive and counterproductive than in other democracies." The Global Commission on Drug Policy, a group of former presidents and prime ministers, a former secretary general of the UN, human rights leaders, and business and governmental leaders, recommended that the US bring more effective control over the illicit drug trade. The solutions suggested were to substitute treatment for imprisonment when regarding users that do not harm others, and focusing on the violent crime organisations which are essentially creating the dangers in the drug trade. (Jimmy Carter, "Call Off The Global Drug War")

In Minnesota, The Medical Marijuana Bill was amended to only apply to the terminally ill. ("A Federal Misstep with Medical Marijuana")

These efforts may temporarily solve issues related to the illegal drug trade, but long term legal regulation seems to be the only responsible solution.

Canadians spend $3-500 000 000 a year on law enforcement and the justice system to enforce marijuana laws. (The Union: The Business Behind Getting High)

Google Images: Legalise marijuana
 rally; www.wral.com

Thus, Canadians have there own ideal solution. From Stop The Violence, to Cannabis Day, to The Green Party, much of the population sees the benefits of legalisation. It would dramatically reduce violence; regulate use, decreasing accessibility to kids and teenagers; and embrace an ever growing culture in North America. After all, throughout this ordeal it seems that those against the legalisation of marijuana have relied on stereotypes, and repercussions to make this drug bad, not factual evidence.


WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Google Images: Legalise marijuana
 rally; www.streetroots.wordpress.com.

If you are a concerned individual when it comes to marijuana legalisation take action! There are many organisations with the sole purpose of fighting the injustices this law has created (see the link panel above). If you are bothered by the unfair treatment of activists such as Marc Emery, support him by writing letters to the people in charge, and publicising what he has faced. If you are of legal age, you also have the influence of your vote. There are many solutions to the issue of marijuana legalisation, the above is just a sample.

"The more marijuana growers and drug dealers went to jail, the more the violence in the streets increases as young people and others fight over the vacuum created by the arrest of the dealer, producer, or consumer of illegal substances." (Marc Emery, bcmarijuanaparty.com)