Justin Trudeau says marijuana should be legalized

[Senator Clay Davis]

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau, who has already called for the decriminalization of marijuana, this week said he would like to see it legalized altogether.

Speaking in Kelowna, B.C., he told a crowd, “I’m actually not in favour of decriminalizing cannabis. I’m in favour of legalizing it.

“Tax it, regulate. It’s one of the only ways to keep it out of the hands of our kids because the current war on drugs, the current model is not working. We have to use evidence and science to make sure we’re moving forward on that.”

The Liberal leader’s comments, captured in a brief YouTube video clip, appear to take his party further than it has gone so far on the issue of drug legalization.

http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/07...s-of-our-kids/

[FlamesAddiction]

I don't disagree with him, but "promises" from politicians mean nothing. It would mean a lot more if he brought up these issues in parliament and not just when soliciting votes in pot-friendly BC.

He could already be working towards that goal if he wanted. You don't need to be PM for that.

[surferguy]

about effing time.

[PsYcNeT]

The Sun comments section is a goddamn riot over this one.

[LouCypher]

Trudeau 4 Mare!

[transplant99]

Well finally...a platform/policy from the Liberal "leader".

One i agree with as a matter of fact, though i have no doubt that any government regulation of cannabis will undoubtedly become a colossal clusterfata.

[Regular_John]

Maybe Justin & the Liberal party are seeing something that I'm not. But I don't see marijuana legalization as enough of a hot button issue to really sway votes in this day & age.

Let's face it, marijuana is pseudo "legal" as it is, you pretty much have to be selling pot to school children to really get charged for having it. When was the last time we heard of some one being charged with possession for lighting up in public?

To me the debate around pot ended about 10 years ago when most police departments across the country stopped enforcing the laws around it. So to make this a campaign platform seems a little thin on substance/relevance.

But still, legalize it.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by jaydorn

Maybe Justin & the Liberal party are seeing something that I'm not. But I don't see marijuana legalization as enough of a hot button issue to really sway votes in this day & age.

Let's face it, marijuana is pseudo "legal" as it is, you pretty much have to be selling pot to school children to really get charged for having it. When was the last time we heard of some one being charged with possession for lighting up in public?

To me the debate around pot ended about 10 years ago when most police departments across the country stopped enforcing the laws around it. So to make this a campaign platform seems a little thin on substance/relevance.

But still, legalize it.

Combine this with the bull#### new mandatory minimums that the Conservatives put in and it might be. "This day and age" goes out the window when the government just enacted a policy straight out of the 80's mindset.

[Regular_John]

Originally Posted by nik-

Combine this with the bull#### new mandatory minimums that the Conservatives put in and it might be. "This day and age" goes out the window when the government just enacted a policy straight out of the 80's mindset.

Citation? Not trying to be a smart, legitimately not sure which policy you're referring to.

[surferguy]

not sure exactly the details but the feds latest crime bill was pushing for mandatory sentencing for drug related crimes. Somebody will come in with more details

[mykalberta]

Hes right of course but I still dont think its a winnable position especially when we have a shared border with the US. Whats more important to Canada, the odd person toking up legally or a easy border experience.

[PsYcNeT]

Well the feds did just pass a law that effectively bans bongs, pipes, and books about drugs.

http://yourlaws.ca/criminal-code-can...and-punishment

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Hes right of course but I still dont think its a winnable position especially when we have a shared border with the US. Whats more important to Canada, the odd person toking up legally or a easy border experience.

The border argument is a bit of a paper tiger, IMO.

[ranchlandsselling]

Cut your hair you hippy!

[Jacks]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I still dont think its a winnable position especially when we have a shared border with the US.

That's my concern, a free open border with the US is critical to our economy.

The other concern would be a reliable test to measure impared drivers. I've had people say they can drive fine when they are stoned, that's BS.

[Ark2]

Originally Posted by rubecube

The border argument is a bit of a paper tiger, IMO.

Please explain why you feel this way.

[flamesfever]

From what I have read recently, it seems that the increase in young people driving while on pot, and an increase in pot related psychological problems showing up in hospitals are things that concern me. IMO the country will not approve of the legalizing of pot, and Trudeau's words will backfire on him.

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by flamesfever

From what I have read recently, it seems that the increase in young people driving while on pot, and an increase in pot related psychological problems showing up in hospitals are things that concern me. IMO the country will not approve of the legalizing of pot, and Trudeau's words will backfire on him.

It's too bad we don't have any kind of tools or surveys to measure something like this. What's that, we do?

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/01...poll-suggests/

Released on Tuesday, the poll suggests 66% of Canadians are in favour of the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana, with just 20% supporting leaving the laws as they are now.

[MissAvery16]

hmmm more new business opportunities

[rubecube]

Originally Posted by Ark2

Please explain why you feel this way.

I'd like to see the theories on why it will impact the border as well, but from my perspective the U.S. needs our trade and resources as much as we need theirs. Furthermore, we've already had one U.S. border state decriminalize marijuana, and I would expect we'll see maybe half a dozen more do so as well within the next 5-10 years.