Pubdate: Sat, 31 Oct 2015
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2015 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/send_a_letter
Website: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Page: A14

LEGALIZING POT COULD HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT

JUSTIN Trudeau may not realize it yet, but his plan to legalize
marijuana is likely to have a profound effect on international drug
policy, possibly leading to a reappraisal of the failed war on drugs.

Canada would also run afoul of at least three international drug
conventions to which it is a signatory.

These agreements require Canada to do its part to halt the use and
trafficking of illegal drugs, including marijuana.

While many countries have liberalized their laws on pot, only one
other country - Uruguay - has legalized it. Four American states have
also made recreational use of marijuana legal, but Washington still
adheres to the international agreements and is officially opposed to
legalization.

When Uruguay went its own way two years ago, the United Nations warned
the country it was breaking international law.

Earlier this year, the UN's international narcotics control board
increased its pressure on the South American country, while also
cautioning the United States about the violations in its own house.

There is also a growing movement around the world and even within the
United States to re-evaluate the 50-year-old war on drugs, which some
critics say is really a war on people and a violation of human rights.

The fact Canada, a G7 nation respected around the world, is looking at
legalization will add momentum to rising demands, particularly from
poorer, drug-producing countries, to adopt a new approach on drug use.

In particular, they emphasize the need for harm reduction, which is
impossible when drugs are illegal, a situation that strengthens gangs
and increases the health risks to drug users, both through violence
and the spread of disease. It has also led to the imprisonment of
millions of people around the world.

Critics of the current regime of drug laws say Canada's legalization
of marijuana, assuming Mr. Trudeau follows through on his campaign
promise, could have a ripple effect around the world.

Countries such as Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, for example,
which tolerate the recreational use of marijuana, could follow
Canada's lead. Even Mexico, long an ally of the Americans in the war
on drugs, is considering legalizing cannabis.

And if more countries follow in their steps, the old drug conventions
and outdated prejudices may start to wither away. Mr. Trudeau's
election is timely in other ways. A special session of the United
Nations General Assembly on the world drug problem next year will
review existing drug policies. There are strong differences of opinion
on the issue, but also an increasing sense that strict enforcement is
doing more harm than good, not just with regard to marijuana, but the
whole range of illegal drugs.

A UN document, which was later withdrawn, said personal consumption of
all drugs should be decriminalized. It added doing so "may be required
to meet obligations under international human rights law."

The current approach, the paper said, "contributed to public health
problems and induced negative consequences for safety, security and
human rights."

Again, Mr. Trudeau's plan may turn out to be far more visionary than
he imagined if it has the effect of persuading more developed nations
that criminal law is an inappropriate tool for managing drug use.

If Canada legalizes marijuana, the UN and other countries could
eventually decide to promote a revolutionary approach that allows the
recreational use of all drugs.

Pity the Hells Angels and the drug cartels.
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MAP posted-by: Matt