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Legalization of Marijuana. By: Blair Henley & Devin Symonette. What is Marijuana?. Marijuana defined : Marijuana is the dried leaves and female flowers of a hemp plant. Its scientific name is Cannabis satvia and the main active ingredient is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
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Legalization of Marijuana By: Blair Henley & Devin Symonette
What is Marijuana? • Marijuana defined: Marijuana is the dried leaves and female flowers of a hemp plant. • Its scientific name is Cannabis satvia and the main active ingredient is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. • The uses of marijuana are vast, including smoking, eating, recreational and medicinal. • One of Canada’s biggest agricultural exports worth an estimated US$4 billion- $7 billion annually.
History of Marijuana • The Cannabis plant has a long history of medical uses, with historical evidence dating back to 2.737 B.C. • Cannabis is one of the 50 fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. • In 1619 Jamestown Colony, Virginia passes a law requiring farmers to grow Indian hemp seed. • Thomas Jefferson and George Washington both owned hemp farms. • Between the years of 1930-1945, there were only 25 convictions for cannabis possession in all of Canada. By 1968 that number had risen to over 2300, and by 1972 there were nearly 12000 convictions. • Canada was the first country to regulate its medicinal use, in 1999.
Uses of marijuana and hemp Industrial Uses (Hemp) Medicinal Uses Food & Nutrition Body Care Paper Fabric, Textiles, & Rope Fuel Plastic Alternatives Building Materials AIDS Chemotherapy Chronic pain Epilepsy Glaucoma Menstrual Cramps Labour Pain Migraine Multiple Sclerosis Anorexia
Medicinal Purposes • Currently 16 states that have legalized medicinal cannabis. • Canada was the first country to offer marijuana to pain-suffering patients. • Before cannabis was made illegal, it was used for a huge number of diseases and disabilities. • The most obvious medicinal use is to assist those who have limited appetite to gain an appetite. • Different strands affect different illnesses.
Decriminalization VS. Legalization • Decriminalization would allow for Canadians to use marijuana and posses small amounts but if they are caught they may be given a warning or fine, no jail time. • Large amounts would be considered intent to sell and punishable with imprisonment. • Legalization means it is completely legal and may be taxed. This takes the power away from drug dealers and criminals.
Penalties for Possession • Possession of marijuana is a criminal offense under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. • If you possess under 30 grams it is considered for personal use the maximum penalty is a fine of $1,000 or 6 months jail time. • Over 30 grams is considered possession for the purpose of trafficking, a more serious crime with more serious consequences.
Where is Marijuana legal? Decriminalized Legal Australia Canada Chile Colombia Czech Republic Ecuador Finland Germany Macedonia Mexico Netherlands Portugal Venezuela Argentine (for personal use in small amounts) Belgium India (government regulated) Iran (legal to grow, but illegal to consume as a drug) Pakistan Peru Uruguay
Should it be Legalized? • Since 2003 several polls have found that the majority of Canadians think the use of marijuana should be legalized. The latest coming in 2009, where 53% of people agreed. • Liberals on Legalization • What do you think?
Liberals debate • Failed prohibition of marijuana has exhausted billions on ineffective enforcement. • The legal status quo continues to endanger Canadians by generating resources for gang-related criminal activity and weapons smuggling. • A new liberal government will legalize and ensure the regulation and taxation of its production, distribution, and use, while enforcing strict penalties for illegal trafficking, illegal importation and exportation, and impaired driving. • A new liberal government will invest significant resources in prevention and education programs especially amongst youth.
Economic Benefits • It is estimated that Canada’s cannabis trade is at considerably more than $7 billion in annual sales. • Lowering government expenses. • In 2001, it was said that close to $500 million a year is spent on fighting the drug trade. Two thirds of Canada’s annual drug arrests are for cannabis offences. • A new industry would emerge that would allow citizens to buy and sell marijuana. • The illegal drug dealers who are currently making “dirty money” under the table, could start a profitable business. • Would create desperately needed jobs across the country. • What about the consumer?
Kantian Theory What is the motive? To reduce unnecessary imprisonment for Marijuana charges, to reduce the amount of money spent to keep convicted marijuana users imprisoned, and to increase government funds by regulation and taxation of marijuana.
Kantian Theory What is the general principle? The government should legalize every substances that cause unnecessary imprisonment, over spending on prisoners, and will increase government funding.
Kantian Theory What is the universal principle? Every substance should be legalized that causes unnecessary imprisonment, over spending on prisoners, and will increase government funding.
Can the Universal Principle be made into a Moral Law? Can the universal principle be made into a moral law? No, it can not be made into a moral law because there are other drugs that fall under these categories.
