High Time for Change: A Sound, Humane, and Fiscally Responsible Marijuana Policy for Canada

Queen's Policy Review, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 59-77, Spring 2010

19 Pages Posted: 1 Nov 2011

Date Written: 2010

Abstract

If a country’s legal framework is broadly in line with its society’s values, it follows that crime will be minimized. No public policy more obstinately ignores this principle than that regarding marijuana. Based on an international comparative analysis, this paper argues that Canada, rather than toughening its marijuana laws, should align them with wide-ranging and compelling scientific, social, economic, and historical arguments and empirical evidence for decriminalization. The paper further argues that legalization is preferable to decriminalization.

Keywords: Marijuana, marijuana laws, medical marijuana, Canada, cannabis, decriminalization, legalization

Suggested Citation

Ciuriak, Natassia, High Time for Change: A Sound, Humane, and Fiscally Responsible Marijuana Policy for Canada (2010). Queen's Policy Review, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 59-77, Spring 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1952197

Natassia Ciuriak (Contact Author)

Ciuriak Consulting Inc. ( email )

83 Stewart St.
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6H9
Canada

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