Marijuana to be Legalized by Summer
Trudeau to push forward on deadline, domestic and international effects still unclear
Key Actors:
- Liberal Government – Led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, proposed legalization of marijuana in election platform.
- Canadian Senate – Government body that reviews, and can veto, legislations proposed by the House of Commons.
Background
Ever since the 2015 elections, Prime Minister Trudeau has been pushing to deliver on his campaign promise to legalize marijuana. The piece of legislation, known as Bill C-45, has largely been met with controversy. The proposed “Cannabis Act” would restrict the distribution of marijuana by regulating it through government sales to adults. It also allows adults to grow up to four marijuana plants in their own homes.
The bill has now been passed in principle, and has recently been approved by the Canadian Senate. Strong arguments have been given by both sides. Those for it say that it will limit the volume of marijuana in the black market. By only authorizing government sales, the bill could also help produce a hefty profit. On the other hand, some argue that minors will have easier access to the drug since it would have government endorsement and, as a result, be more easily distributed.
What effects the new legislation will have on Canada remains to be seen, but it is slated to come into effect by the summer of this year.
International Effects
Marijuana legalization may also be a controversial topic from an international perspective, particularly when it comes to the US-Canada border. While there are different legislations regarding marijuana possession in each state, federal American law forbids those who have used marijuana, at any point in his/her life, from crossing the border. The Canadian Department of Global Affairs has given recognition ,albeit late, for such conflicts. “You may be denied entry to a foreign country if you have previously used cannabis products, whether for medical purposes or not…” Not only is the usage of the drug forbidden in the United States, but working in the industry itself is already grounds for denial of entry. This could shut out hundreds of thousands of Canadians from entering the United States, regardless of any state laws that legalize the drug.
When marijuana is legalized in Canada, there will be an increase in the drug’s distribution. The effects of the heightened usage, as a result of the increased distribution, can have lasting, although likely minor, impacts on Canada-US relations. The impacts of legalization can additionally reach across various international sectors. For one, increased scrutiny along the Canada-US border would certainly increase. This could result in longer wait times at the border, negatively influencing the efficiency of current trade systems. Secondly, the tourism industry in America could also take a heavy blow due to American border restrictions. While this isn’t necessarily a problem for Canada on a strictly diplomatic level, these conflicts could have large a large impact on the average Canadian.
Looking Into the Future
Regardless of the numerous controversies regarding marijuana legalization, Prime Minister Trudeau has committed himself to its original deadline of July 1st. With much of the nation still divided over the issue, the domestic and international effects of such a law remains unclear.
Bibliography:
McIntyre, Paul. “Sen. Paul McIntyre: Marijuana Legalization puts Canadians at risk of lifetime bans to enter U.S.” The Province, The Province, May 16, 2018, http://theprovince.com/opinion/op-ed/sen-paul-mcintyre-marijuana-legalization-puts-canadians-at-risk-of-lifetime-bans-to-enter-u-s
Wright, Teresa. “Trudeau: Marijuana Legalization Plan Will Go Ahead Without Delay” The Huffington Post, The Huffington Post, May 17, 2018, https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/05/04/trudeau-pot-marijuana-legalization_a_23427135/
Photo Sources:
http://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/bonokoski-evolving-resume-of-pm-justin-trudeau
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318854.php
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/how-us-marijuana-laws-are-changing-the-canadian-border-w483953
https://www.thedailybeast.com/drug-smuggler-sues-us-over-dog-bite
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/worlds-largest-border