Recently the controversial issue of the decriminalization of marijuana has been in the spotlight. As you can imagine, there are many advocates for both the pros and cons of the issue. In particular, when considering the legalities surrounding marijuana, the traditional question of social ethic has been in debate for generations. Not surprisingly, over the years the media also has taken a keen interest in the issue. Unfortunately, the media often warps controversies like this well out of proportion. As it stands, the possession of marijuana is a criminal offence. Under the current legislation (Bill C-344), a person guilty of simple possession of pot, (having in his/her possession less than 30 grams of marijuana) has a criminal record, is liable to imprisonment for six months and a fine. For a first offence, the amount of the fine would be $200; for the second, $500; for any subsequent offence, $1,000. These are some hefty fines; especially considering it is estimated that some 600 000 Canadian's have criminal records due to possession of pot. Currently, the government is considering altering the legislation to make the consequences of possessing marijuana similar to that of speeding. This would make marijuana illegal to possess, but the consequences for possession would be less severe (probably just a small fine). If this legislation was to be passed, it would eliminate the criminal element that is currently associated with weed. It is because of this unfortunate 'criminal element', that the courts are backed up with youth-related offences. Youth who receive a criminal record due to possession and/or use of marijuana will have a much lower chance of acceptance for employment. Because youth are prone to experiment with drugs and alcohol, there will consistently be offences. Knowingly, the government warningly slaps criminal records on them. As a result, the courts have become backed up by these petty offences. Meanwhile, criminals like rapists and murderers are resting in government funded facilities; sucking up tax payers money. How can we justify the legal system when it deprives youth of the opportunity to succeed. On the other end of the spectrum, there are many who can say whether smoking pot is right or wrong, but sending people to jail for possessing small amounts is unjust and presumptuous. By decriminalizing the possession of marijuana it would result in fewer jail terms, therefore decreasing legal costs. A recent federal report said that $150 million dollars would be saved through decriminalization alone. Arguably there are a lot of cons to decriminalization. Some people cry that American opposition could result, which might cause a decline in trade and commerce with our neighbors. Concerns arise from other possible problems, like increased health costs, more impaired-driving accidents, and industrial machinery fatalities. The odds are favored otherwise though. A Canadian senate meeting on September 4th,2002 suggested that the effects of pot were less harmful than alcohol. According to Medical Marihuana, there has been "... no reported cases of fatal marijuana overdose..." , and the Canadian Medical Association estimates that 1.5 million Canadians smoke marijuana for recreational purposes. What does this say about our society? It says that sometimes people like to use pot to relax. It also says that it is high time to amend the legislature, and in particular, bill C-344. Check the data for yourself, so when the time comes to rectify this issue you can make an informed decision.

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