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Cannabis Legalization Report

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Session: Reflections on Participating in the Canadian Federal Task Force on Cannabis Legalization and Regulation with Susan Boyd
Topics Covered:
- Community participation and support
- Current cannabis legislation
- Cannabis legalization framework
Key Learnings: As mentioned in other sessions throughout the week, social and traditional media can heavily influence society’s perceptions of current events and issues. In the case of cannabis legalization, media portrayal is either good or bad, never neutral. Overall, there is value in cannabis use as individuals have been able to substitute cannabis for opioids and there has never been a marijuana overdose. Many members of society recognize these advantages, thus they want to make an impact and contribution to policy. The Canadian Federal Task Force on Cannabis received 30 written submissions of support and contribution from coalitions groups and organizations. While there are many challenges and restraints when it comes to policy-making, the efforts and goodwill of the public can make a difference when they want to see a change in an issue they are passionate about. Currently, dispensaries and compassion clubs are not legal; only forty-one mail order cannabis growers are federally-regulated. The proposed framework for legalization recommends many regulations. This includes: minimum age for possession …show more content…

I understood that cannabis legislation is enacted at the federal level, however, I now recognize that municipal governments make by-laws to operate illegal dispensaries. Moreover, the local police can address marijuana possession on their own terms. As Susan mentioned, Victoria police do not usually arrest individuals for possession of marijuana if it is a small amount. Once marijuana is legalized it will be provincially mandated, thus certain aspects, such as minimum age for possession, can be

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