Pubdate: Sun, 06 Mar 2016
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.theprovince.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Jim Bronskill
Page: 22

POTHOLES ON THE ROAD TO LEGALIZATION

Health Canada cites nine factors Ottawa will need to
navigate

OTTAWA - As the Liberal government began moving on its commitment to
legalize marijuana, Health Canada flagged nine key considerations,
newly obtained documents show.

A November 2015 ministerial briefing presentation, Legalizing & 
Regulating Marijuana, offers insight into how the new government will 
navigate the issue. A look at the nine areas cited by Health Canada:

Canadian marijuana usage rates - 11 per cent of the population age 15
and older used pot in the past year, according to a 2013 survey. Use
was highest among 20-24 year-olds at 26 per cent. The presentation
points to evidence that use declines with age.

Evidence of health benefits and risks - There is evidence of limited
therapeutic benefit to marijuana use in pain management. But the
health community consensus is regular recreational usage carries risks.

International legal framework - Canada is party to a global legal
framework on psychotropic drugs, including the 1961 Single Convention
on Narcotic Drugs. It does not allow for legalization but allows
leeway on the kinds of sanctions imposed.

Canadian regime for medical marijuana - The 2013 Marijuana for Medical
Purposes Regulations attempted to shift the medical marijuana industry
to licensed producers. But thousands of Canadians were allowed to
possess or grow marijuana pending a court ruling that came down last
month.

Domestic legal context - The court ruling handed down in February
affirmed the right of people to grow their own medical marijuana. The
presentation, drafted before the ruling, says the decision and others
could affect government choices on the new legal regime.

Role of provincial and territorial governments - The federal and
provincial / territorial governments would be able to regulate in many
of the same areas concerning access to legal marijuana.

Experience of other jurisdictions - Early lessons from the U.S.
reinforce the need to take time to implement a legalized model,
figuring out the complexities of how best to protect public health.

Law enforcement issues - Illicit grow operations exist in all parts of
Canada. A national approach will require police agencies to work together.

Youth justice - Careful consideration will need to be given to how the
new regime will be enforced when it comes to young people.
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MAP posted-by: Matt