Quote:
Originally Posted by Thor
Too bad the Conservative government seems totally dis-interested in going to the decriminalization plans from the Chretien government.
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I'm not sure that's totally fair.
I think the Conservatives, like most Canadians, are quite divided on the issue.
Marijuana can impair one's ability to operate a vehicle just as alcohol can, but its much harder to test for, save for cops doing on-the-spot urine tests. So if you legalize it, you have to devise a quick and effective testing procedure.
As well, at the time, the (currently Evangelical backed) Republican Party was in power and very opposed to such measures. While this means little to internal affairs, it means a lot if it means the border gets that much tighter, damaging US relations, as well as causing significant domestic political turmoil. It simply wasn't deemed pragmatic or worth the risk.
If the US takes the lead on it... and by that, California, Oregon and some border states, it makes it easier for Canada to do so as well, while still promoting a looser border and more open exchange of workers. As you mentioned, it could be promoted as a form of economic stimulus and increased tax revenue.