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This is interesting from the National Post here in Canada. They ran it a few days ago:
Some young people have been deported from Canada and the UK back to Jamaica for possession of more than 30 grams. Any criminal conviction with a sentence of more than 6 months is ground for deportation of a permanent resident of Canada without appeal.
Fines make sense...$1000 is steep. I think a ticket system similar to what is in place for speeding tickets would make sense.
I agree this isn't reasonable.
I completely disagree with the writer's call to legalize it.
The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs has suggested police be given the option to ticket those found with small amounts of marijuana. Considering the current status quo in Canada, it’s not a bad idea. As the law stands now, those found in possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana could face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. And with a criminal conviction on their records, offenders may also be subject to international travel restrictions and future job discrimination. For a teenager caught with a dime bag, it’s a high price to pay.
A ticketing system would, for one, bring down the severity of the punishment to a reasonable level. While police will often turn a blind eye to nominal amounts of marijuana, they may also opt to go for the full summary conviction. That means a court date, a hefty fine and/or a criminal record for that teen caught with a joint behind his school, while his friend with a beer makes off with a mere $125 fine. It’s the difference between a traffic ticket and a permanent stain on your driving record, for similar offenses. The law just hasn’t caught up to the fact that drinking a beer and smoking a joint really aren’t that inherently different.
Fines make sense...$1000 is steep. I think a ticket system similar to what is in place for speeding tickets would make sense.
But beyond discrepancy in punishment, the cost of the current system — both in its squandering of court time and financial resources — is good enough reason for a procedural revamp. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, an estimated 500,000 Canadians carry criminal records for possessing 30 grams of marijuana or less.
Sure, that convicted smoker may be a little more wary about lighting up in future (if that even really matters), but he’s also at a considerable disadvantage in terms of his employment options.
I completely disagree with the writer's call to legalize it.
