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imported_sir smoke a lot

Canada will first then the U.S.A. will follow suit. Won't happen for a while though.

 

pkster8235

Well, Canada was moving towards decriminalization before the Conservatives took power..
Hopefully a different party will be elected and maybe we can make some progress

I think the statistic was that Canada has the largest marijuana consuming group per capita.

I'm not sure how extensive or accurate this was, but..
BBC NEWS | Americas | Canada's growing marijuana problem

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Buzzby

I know the statistic to which you are referring. I was responding to chadwick's statement, which was incorrect:

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Mr_Green

As a proud Canadian, I can definitely tell you that our laws are pretty lax compared to the US:

updated: 22/07/2007

Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 5+

Legislation: it is against the law to possess marijuana in Canada. If you have baggies, scales or other selling paraphenalia, you may be charged with trafficking.

Cannabis is schedule II in Canada (for more than 3 kg). Canada's cannabis control laws are spottily enforced, with the west coast (British Columbia) being well known for its high quality cannabis and low levels of enforcement. In 2002, Canada's federal government made several findings in favor of cannabis legalization and medical use approval. Although the status of medical cannabis is still in flux (sep 2002), the Canadian government has several times voiced its intention to support full medical use. Non-viable Cannabis seeds and Cannabis stalks (that do not include leaves, flowers, seeds or branches) are exempted.
In July 2000, an Ontario Court of Appeal ruled against the Canadian law because it did not address medical necessity and on July 31, 2001 a new regulation was enacted by the cabinet which addressed medical use. In January 2003, a lower Ontario court ruled simple possession laws banning cannabis unconstitutional, although it is unclear what the long term implications of this might be.

Law Enforcement: Anything less than 30 grams you can get away with if it’s all in one bag. Anything involving bags, scale or money can lead to prosecution.

During the summer, I'll usually roll a joint and walk the streets. No one says one word about it. The worst that happens is a cop will pull you over, and ask you to take the joint home to finish.

In Winnipeg, on 4/20 hundreds of smokers gather at the legislative building, more commonly known as the leg (pronounced ledge) and smoke weed with security and police standing by, not doing anything about it. Hot dog and ice cream vendors gather around the area to sell the smokers food, usually with some sort of discount at a smoking related store offered if you buy their food. Overall it's a smoker's paradise.

Now take for example Fargo, ND. Fargo is a 3 hour drive to Canada. Pretty much close to the border, and the laws there? Take a look:

Fargo, North Dakota

Updated: 12/11/2007

Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 3

Legislation:
Less than 1/2 oz* misdemeanor 30 days $1,000 Less than 1/2 oz while operating a motor vehicle* misdemeanor 1 year $1,000
1/2 to 1 oz* misdemeanor 1 year $2,000
More than 1 oz felony 5 years $5,000
All convictions also require the offender to undergo a drug addiction evaluation.

North dakota views pot as illegal and you can't even possess pipes.


Law Enforcement: The law enforcement is harsh on marijuana laws. but they are mostly interested in the fast growing methamphetine problem.

North Dakota is a very very conservative state. Be careful the police will lie to get what they want. The police station is downtown. Also if you get caught you will have a bout a $300 fine for less than one oz and possible 30 days in jail. However the jail time, if a first offense, will be not a problem.
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Sadly tho, I highly doubt that pot will be legalized here in Canada for awhile. Decriminalized sooner? Yes. In fact, medical marijuana is available here.

Good thing we don't live in Singapore!

WeBeHigh.com Singapore Marijuana prices and where to buy weed in Singapore

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Freedom_User

I voted Canada all the way. I think they are less corrupt.

 

MiniKirk

Honestly? I think the USA will do it first. I live in good ol' Cali, where we're trying to get the Cannabis Hemp and Health Initiative on the ballots and, hopefully, passed. Sorry Canada, but while you're more lax than MOST of the US, SOME of us (hahaha get it, us/US? ok I'll stop before you PUNish me), here in the US are at least as lax. In Cali, it's decriminalized up to 28.5 grams, and will only be punished by a ticket.

Andrew87

I think 90% of the battle in the U.S. will be legalization at the federal level. Once (or if) this happens, I'd guess it will be either California or Alaska that fully legalizes it first - other states will most likely follow suit rather shortly when they acknowledge the added efficiency.

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MiniKirk

That's the thing, really the battle won't be getting it to be legalized on a federal level, but to make it a state issue, which I was under the assumption that it was. The feds wont get involved unless your trafficking to a state where it's illegal, from what I've come to understand (from police officers related to one of my best friends).

Andrew87

If it is illegal under federal law, federal law enforcement will get involved. Regardless of whether the state considers it legal.

The only reason fed LE doesn't get involved in state matters is because the state and local police handle it. Why do you suppose the DEA has been raiding dispensaries in California? It's because the feds don't recognize a state's legality of MMJ.

Synopsis: State and local police enforce state laws. Fed LE (FBI, DEA, etc.) enforce federal law. If marijuana is against FEDERAL law, then the feds are coming to kick ass and take names whether the state in question considers it legal or not. That's why it is essential that it be legalized at the federal level before any real progress can be made.

Once the individual states are free to make their own decisions (as they should have been all along), my guess is that many will re-think marijuana's prohibition.

Buzzby

There are real-world considerations that go beyond what is and what is not legal. Does the DEA bust individual pot smokers in California, medical or otherwise? No. Why not? The DEA is a relatively small organization with limited personnel, hardware, and funding. Their resources are too limited to start chasing potheads.

Now, expand that situation to a whole state with legal marijuana. Where is the DEA going to get the tens of thousands of extra agents it would need to play policeman at the street-corner level? They'd have to maintain agencies in every little burg in the state. The federal government simply isn't equipped for that kind of activity and local people would be crawling up their reps backsides to stop it if they tried.

There is always a conflict between states' rights and the federal government, and a balance. Can you imagine the reactions in the states if the feds started getting heavy on ordinary citizens who are doing nothing illegal (in their own state)? Congress would be forced to squelch it if the reps ever want to get elected again.