Category: Current Events
Posted by: jacob
The University of Mississippi and the US Government's National Institute of Drug Abuse released data based on samples from the US Drug Enforcement Agency, on the potency of marijuana seized in the United States, and it comes with some surprising revelations.
Newspapers around the US have pointed out that the strength of marijuana went from 4.78% THC to 10.54% THC, a massive increase, more than doubling potency. Did marijuana growers get twice as good at growing marijuana over the last year?
What no newspaper mentioned was that the number of seizures analysed by the laboratory went from 852 in 2007 to 12 in 2008; did drug busts suffer a 99.98% decrease over the past year, or is the DEA picking and choosing samples?
Of the 12 samples, 10 were described as sinsemilla buds, typically, for every other year, ditch weed and seeded bud made up much larger portions of seizures. The conclusion to be drawn from this study is that the DEA and NIDA data has been manipulated with cherry picked data and very low sample size.
Another interesting point of the study is the strength of hashish in the United States, which has apparently suffered a massive decline, going from 28.19% THC in 2007 to a mere 0.26% THC in 2008. Hash Oil declined as well, from 27.17% to 1.35% THC. So, while marijuana is doubling in potency, hash is somehow loosing between 99.95% and 99.99% of it's THC content.
From this study, the only conclusion one can fairly draw is that NIDA, the DEA, and the University of Mississippi are producing fundamentally flawed or intentionally misleading data on the strength of marijuana.
Newspapers around the US have pointed out that the strength of marijuana went from 4.78% THC to 10.54% THC, a massive increase, more than doubling potency. Did marijuana growers get twice as good at growing marijuana over the last year?
What no newspaper mentioned was that the number of seizures analysed by the laboratory went from 852 in 2007 to 12 in 2008; did drug busts suffer a 99.98% decrease over the past year, or is the DEA picking and choosing samples?
Of the 12 samples, 10 were described as sinsemilla buds, typically, for every other year, ditch weed and seeded bud made up much larger portions of seizures. The conclusion to be drawn from this study is that the DEA and NIDA data has been manipulated with cherry picked data and very low sample size.
Another interesting point of the study is the strength of hashish in the United States, which has apparently suffered a massive decline, going from 28.19% THC in 2007 to a mere 0.26% THC in 2008. Hash Oil declined as well, from 27.17% to 1.35% THC. So, while marijuana is doubling in potency, hash is somehow loosing between 99.95% and 99.99% of it's THC content.
From this study, the only conclusion one can fairly draw is that NIDA, the DEA, and the University of Mississippi are producing fundamentally flawed or intentionally misleading data on the strength of marijuana.
Category: Current Events
Posted by: jacob
BC Marijuana Party Press Release
BC Business Magazine recently announced that Marijuana represents the 2nd largest contributor to provincial GDP at $7.5 billion dollars and 250,000 jobs, ahead of forestry and behind construction. In the same week, Angus Reid announced that 53% of Canadians support the legalization and regulation of Marijuana.
“We are forgoing $2,000,000,000 in tax revenue every year because Gordon Campbell refuses to stand up to the Federal Government” said BCMP Spokesman Jacob Hunter “Marijuana is an agricultural product and belongs under the control of the province.”
The BCMP would immediately regulate Marijuana as an agricultural product, providing licenses for it's growth, sale and distribution. Marijuana would be sold in liquor stores and pharmacies. Any business that illegally sold marijuana to youths would have the business license pulled, and their business shut down.
British Columbia would see $2 Billion in additional tax revenue, along with $5 Billion in additional legal market activity. This would come directly from the black market, depriving organized criminals of almost $10 Billion in economic activity; it would in short cripple organized crime. These are the results of an comprehensive study by Stephen Easton of Simon Fraser University.
The University of Alberta recently conducted a study which showed Marijuana is popular among educated, middle class Canadians. Other studies have shown the statistical correlation between education and Marijuana use. Marijuana is most often used by responsible, educated adults, in moderation, as a way to unwind at the end of the day, or to relax during leisure or social activities.
Why do we criminalize adult, law-abiding, middle class, educated Canadians because they choose to smoke a joint instead of drinking a glass of wine?
Given the popularity, safety and science, why is it that no sitting federal party has a policy in advocacy of legalization and regulation of marijuana? Why do the Liberals and NDP support a decriminalization scheme which would see marijuana profits remain in the hands of organized criminals? Why does the Conservative Party want to subsidize organized criminals by increasing their profits at the cost of public safety? Why do the major federal parties ignore Canadians and the science on this issue?
Canadians must demand better of their politicians. The BCMP is the only party in Canada that bases our policy on the best science, not half-baked ideology. It is time for a change in British Columbia. On May 12, 2009, vote BCMP.
BC Business Magazine recently announced that Marijuana represents the 2nd largest contributor to provincial GDP at $7.5 billion dollars and 250,000 jobs, ahead of forestry and behind construction. In the same week, Angus Reid announced that 53% of Canadians support the legalization and regulation of Marijuana.
“We are forgoing $2,000,000,000 in tax revenue every year because Gordon Campbell refuses to stand up to the Federal Government” said BCMP Spokesman Jacob Hunter “Marijuana is an agricultural product and belongs under the control of the province.”
The BCMP would immediately regulate Marijuana as an agricultural product, providing licenses for it's growth, sale and distribution. Marijuana would be sold in liquor stores and pharmacies. Any business that illegally sold marijuana to youths would have the business license pulled, and their business shut down.
British Columbia would see $2 Billion in additional tax revenue, along with $5 Billion in additional legal market activity. This would come directly from the black market, depriving organized criminals of almost $10 Billion in economic activity; it would in short cripple organized crime. These are the results of an comprehensive study by Stephen Easton of Simon Fraser University.
The University of Alberta recently conducted a study which showed Marijuana is popular among educated, middle class Canadians. Other studies have shown the statistical correlation between education and Marijuana use. Marijuana is most often used by responsible, educated adults, in moderation, as a way to unwind at the end of the day, or to relax during leisure or social activities.
Why do we criminalize adult, law-abiding, middle class, educated Canadians because they choose to smoke a joint instead of drinking a glass of wine?
Given the popularity, safety and science, why is it that no sitting federal party has a policy in advocacy of legalization and regulation of marijuana? Why do the Liberals and NDP support a decriminalization scheme which would see marijuana profits remain in the hands of organized criminals? Why does the Conservative Party want to subsidize organized criminals by increasing their profits at the cost of public safety? Why do the major federal parties ignore Canadians and the science on this issue?
Canadians must demand better of their politicians. The BCMP is the only party in Canada that bases our policy on the best science, not half-baked ideology. It is time for a change in British Columbia. On May 12, 2009, vote BCMP.
Category: Current Events
Posted by: jacob
The Stephen Harper Conservatives have spent $3 Million taxpayer dollars on a highly misleading pamphlet primarily targeting marijuana in an attempt to create support for their unpopular Bill C26.
Bill C26 takes Canada down the same path as the United States, importing their “war on drugs”. Yet, with over 1% of the adult population in jail due primarily to the “war on drugs”, marijuana use is still higher in the United States than Holland, where marijuana is regulated, with incarceration rates 1/5th those of the United States.
The Canadian Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs found that policies like C26 jeopardize Canadian society and risk our children's safety far more than Marijuana itself.
In 2001, a US National survey found “that most respondents obtain marijuana indoors (87%), from a friend or relative (89%), and for free (58%). Retail marijuana distribution appears to be embedded in social networks rather than being dominated by “professional” sellers”. There are simply no drug dealers in playgrounds preying on our children.
The Conservative Party wants Canadians to believe it is getting tough on crime by introducing Mandatory Minimum sentences. However, a Canadian Justice Department study proves these sentences to be completely ineffective at reducing drug use or associated crime rates.
According to a Fraser Institute study, the Conservative plan will increase the number of drug dealers, as well as violent and property crime associated with drugs.
Canadians deserve drug policy based on the best science and reason, not fear-mongering. The Conservative Government of Canada is jeopardizing Canadian society and your children's safety.
Urge your Member of Parliament to vote No on Bill C26.
Bill C26 takes Canada down the same path as the United States, importing their “war on drugs”. Yet, with over 1% of the adult population in jail due primarily to the “war on drugs”, marijuana use is still higher in the United States than Holland, where marijuana is regulated, with incarceration rates 1/5th those of the United States.
The Canadian Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs found that policies like C26 jeopardize Canadian society and risk our children's safety far more than Marijuana itself.
In 2001, a US National survey found “that most respondents obtain marijuana indoors (87%), from a friend or relative (89%), and for free (58%). Retail marijuana distribution appears to be embedded in social networks rather than being dominated by “professional” sellers”. There are simply no drug dealers in playgrounds preying on our children.
The Conservative Party wants Canadians to believe it is getting tough on crime by introducing Mandatory Minimum sentences. However, a Canadian Justice Department study proves these sentences to be completely ineffective at reducing drug use or associated crime rates.
According to a Fraser Institute study, the Conservative plan will increase the number of drug dealers, as well as violent and property crime associated with drugs.
Canadians deserve drug policy based on the best science and reason, not fear-mongering. The Conservative Government of Canada is jeopardizing Canadian society and your children's safety.
Urge your Member of Parliament to vote No on Bill C26.
Category: My goings on
Posted by: jacob
Marc Emery's Cannabis Culture Headquarters is expanding to include the top 2 floors of this building, tripling our square footage! Included in this is a new office for political activism and the BC Marijuana Party! 200sqft of Prohibition busting fury!
We have the space for up to 10 activists to be working in this space, but no money for furniture! So far we have a big conference table, but we're going to need more! So, here's what we need:
Desks (2-3)
Office Chairs (6-10)
A Futon Mattress (We inherited a frame, but no mattress)
Laser Printer (If possible, with fax/copier/scanner)
Computers (P3 or newer)
Monitors (LCDs, for space issues)
Keyboards/Mice
Telephones (1-4)
Filing Cabinets
Book Shelves
Books (Reference Materials)
8(+) port network switch
Anything else you can think of us needing?
We really want to create a space where activists can come and get stuff done! We have the room, we just need to furnish it!
If you have anything you want to donate, or know of places in Vancouver with office furniture, let me know at jacob@cannabisculture.com
Thanks to everyone for what I am sure will be an amazing level of generosity! Can't wait to have our first meeting, first all nighter, etc! See you all soon! If you're looking to volunteer, we are going to have some very labour-intensive projects coming up, email me to get involved!
We have the space for up to 10 activists to be working in this space, but no money for furniture! So far we have a big conference table, but we're going to need more! So, here's what we need:
Desks (2-3)
Office Chairs (6-10)
A Futon Mattress (We inherited a frame, but no mattress)
Laser Printer (If possible, with fax/copier/scanner)
Computers (P3 or newer)
Monitors (LCDs, for space issues)
Keyboards/Mice
Telephones (1-4)
Filing Cabinets
Book Shelves
Books (Reference Materials)
8(+) port network switch
Anything else you can think of us needing?
We really want to create a space where activists can come and get stuff done! We have the room, we just need to furnish it!
If you have anything you want to donate, or know of places in Vancouver with office furniture, let me know at jacob@cannabisculture.com
Thanks to everyone for what I am sure will be an amazing level of generosity! Can't wait to have our first meeting, first all nighter, etc! See you all soon! If you're looking to volunteer, we are going to have some very labour-intensive projects coming up, email me to get involved!
Category: Current Events
Posted by: jacob
There have been a lot of stories circulating recently portraying grow ops as dangerous to their communities or to police; but is there any basis for these statements?
The authoritative study in this area, conducted by the RCMP Research Chair from the University College of the Fraser Valley, and paid for by the RCMP titled “Marijuana Growing Operations in British Columbia (revisted)”: http://www.ucfv.ca/pages/Special/Marihuana_Grow_Ops_in_BC_Study.pdf
The study examined what percentage of grow ops busted over a 10 year period contained dangers to the community or police:
Hazards (Dangerous Chemicals, Booby-Traps, explosives): 2.1%
Fires: 3.7%
Guns: 6%
Other Drugs: 3.6%
Other Weapons (Knives): 2.9%
This study shows conclusively that police raiding a grow operation find no guns 94% of the time, and no weapons at all 91.1% of the time. There is simply no justification for police assertions that they risk gun violence every time they enter a grow home, and ample evidence to suggest risk assessments ought to be standard operating procedure before raiding a home.
The perception of a danger to the community from grow ops is based upon risk of fire and dangers from chemicals.
In terms of fire risk, the study assumes that the total number of grow ops in the province for a given year equal the total number busted by police! Obviously, this is simply not true. According to research from Simon Fraser University and the Fraser Institute, police bust only 16.7% of grow ops in BC every year. When one accounts for this discrepancy, the study places the increased risk of fires from grow ops at ¼ that of cooking at home.
In terms of chemicals, there is no evidence whatsoever to show that grow ops contain any chemicals not commonly found on any farm. All Chemicals found are legal for purchase, sale, and use, in Canada.
In short, there is simply no justification for the public hysteria surrounding the potential dangers from grow operations. There is no legitimate cause for warrantless and police conducted “fire inspections” such as those taking place in the Fraser Valley; nor is there any cause for SWAT style tactics when conducting police raids on Grow ops. Dangers to the police and the community have been massively overstated, and the RCMP's own data proves it.
If our government was serious about moving Marijuana farming out of homes and onto farms, they would implement the recommendations of the largest scientific study on Marijuana policy in Canadian history, the Senate Special Committee on Illegal drugs report on Cannabis, to legalize and regulate Marijuana. Anything less is simply more of the same, a failed drug war.
The authoritative study in this area, conducted by the RCMP Research Chair from the University College of the Fraser Valley, and paid for by the RCMP titled “Marijuana Growing Operations in British Columbia (revisted)”: http://www.ucfv.ca/pages/Special/Marihuana_Grow_Ops_in_BC_Study.pdf
The study examined what percentage of grow ops busted over a 10 year period contained dangers to the community or police:
Hazards (Dangerous Chemicals, Booby-Traps, explosives): 2.1%
Fires: 3.7%
Guns: 6%
Other Drugs: 3.6%
Other Weapons (Knives): 2.9%
This study shows conclusively that police raiding a grow operation find no guns 94% of the time, and no weapons at all 91.1% of the time. There is simply no justification for police assertions that they risk gun violence every time they enter a grow home, and ample evidence to suggest risk assessments ought to be standard operating procedure before raiding a home.
The perception of a danger to the community from grow ops is based upon risk of fire and dangers from chemicals.
In terms of fire risk, the study assumes that the total number of grow ops in the province for a given year equal the total number busted by police! Obviously, this is simply not true. According to research from Simon Fraser University and the Fraser Institute, police bust only 16.7% of grow ops in BC every year. When one accounts for this discrepancy, the study places the increased risk of fires from grow ops at ¼ that of cooking at home.
In terms of chemicals, there is no evidence whatsoever to show that grow ops contain any chemicals not commonly found on any farm. All Chemicals found are legal for purchase, sale, and use, in Canada.
In short, there is simply no justification for the public hysteria surrounding the potential dangers from grow operations. There is no legitimate cause for warrantless and police conducted “fire inspections” such as those taking place in the Fraser Valley; nor is there any cause for SWAT style tactics when conducting police raids on Grow ops. Dangers to the police and the community have been massively overstated, and the RCMP's own data proves it.
If our government was serious about moving Marijuana farming out of homes and onto farms, they would implement the recommendations of the largest scientific study on Marijuana policy in Canadian history, the Senate Special Committee on Illegal drugs report on Cannabis, to legalize and regulate Marijuana. Anything less is simply more of the same, a failed drug war.
Category: Current Events
Posted by: jacob
A British citizen names Keith Brown is facing a 4 year prison sentence in the United Arab Emirates for possession of an invisible 0.003g of Cannabis, stuck to the bottom of his shoe.
The United Arab Emirates is a common stopover point for travellers between Europe and Africa, with millions passing through Dubai, the largest city, every year. The UAE as it's known, also has a zero-tolerance policy toward drugs, and they take zero very seriously.
Customs officials in UAE airports use sophisticated scanning equipment to detect even the slightest traces of banned substances; in fact even a positive urine test is enough to trigger a mandatory 4 year sentence.
In Another case a German citizen is facing 4 years for 3 poppy seeds on his shirt from a pastry he had eaten at Heathrow (London, UK) prior to arriving in Dubai. It seems that even possession of Melatonin (an all natural, over the counter, sleep aid) is enough to trigger jail time.
If you or anyone you know is travelling in the near future, avoid the United Arab Emirates!
The United Arab Emirates is a common stopover point for travellers between Europe and Africa, with millions passing through Dubai, the largest city, every year. The UAE as it's known, also has a zero-tolerance policy toward drugs, and they take zero very seriously.
Customs officials in UAE airports use sophisticated scanning equipment to detect even the slightest traces of banned substances; in fact even a positive urine test is enough to trigger a mandatory 4 year sentence.
In Another case a German citizen is facing 4 years for 3 poppy seeds on his shirt from a pastry he had eaten at Heathrow (London, UK) prior to arriving in Dubai. It seems that even possession of Melatonin (an all natural, over the counter, sleep aid) is enough to trigger jail time.
If you or anyone you know is travelling in the near future, avoid the United Arab Emirates!
Category: Current Events
Posted by: jacob
Marc Emery to accept jail time
Marc Emery, my boss and friend, has been forced by the impotence of the Extradition act to accept a deal in order to save Michelle Raineys life. Emery will be in jail within months, spending time in both the United States and Canada. The simply truth is that the Extradition Act is a rubber stamp, out judges have no ability to hear the facts of the case. Marc Emery has fought all his life for freedom for people around the world; he has supported the Marijuana movement, the Environmental movement, the Gay Rights movement, the NDP, the Green Party, the list goes on. Marc Emery is going to jail as a freedom fighter, he is a Hero. Whether you agree with his politics, Marc has fought for people other than himself because he believes it is right. This type of personality is lacking from our society and is greatly needed at this time of ever increasing government interference and intransigence. I say again, Marc Emery is a hero, and soon to be a political prisoner.
Regardless of what you think of Marc, this is a travesty of Justice. The Canadian government has refused to charge Emery, we are outsourcing our Justice system to the United States. Why?
Everyone, please, write the Justice Minister and demand they stop this process and keep Marc out of jail.
Nichor@parl.gc.ca
Nichor1@parl.gc.ca
Nichor2@parl.gc.ca
FREE MARC EMERY!
Marc Emery, my boss and friend, has been forced by the impotence of the Extradition act to accept a deal in order to save Michelle Raineys life. Emery will be in jail within months, spending time in both the United States and Canada. The simply truth is that the Extradition Act is a rubber stamp, out judges have no ability to hear the facts of the case. Marc Emery has fought all his life for freedom for people around the world; he has supported the Marijuana movement, the Environmental movement, the Gay Rights movement, the NDP, the Green Party, the list goes on. Marc Emery is going to jail as a freedom fighter, he is a Hero. Whether you agree with his politics, Marc has fought for people other than himself because he believes it is right. This type of personality is lacking from our society and is greatly needed at this time of ever increasing government interference and intransigence. I say again, Marc Emery is a hero, and soon to be a political prisoner.
Regardless of what you think of Marc, this is a travesty of Justice. The Canadian government has refused to charge Emery, we are outsourcing our Justice system to the United States. Why?
Everyone, please, write the Justice Minister and demand they stop this process and keep Marc out of jail.
Nichor@parl.gc.ca
Nichor1@parl.gc.ca
Nichor2@parl.gc.ca
FREE MARC EMERY!
Category: Current Events
Posted by: jacob
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2007
Historic Protest at MP Offices Across Canada - Widespread Opposition to C-26
In every province in Canada, ordinary Canadians have gathered to tell their MP to vote no to the Conservative drug war plan (Bill C-26) and, instead, to explain why they support continuing the failed policy of marijuana prohibition. The noon protest, planned to occur at every MP’s office in Canada, drew widespread support.
“I'm concerned that the government isn't listening to the people on this issue. Only 8% of Canadians support criminal sanctions for marijuana, yet the Conservative drug war plan will jail a lot more people, including a lot of non-violent marijuana offenders. It's a mistake, and a bad one,” said Kirk Tousaw, a Vancouver criminal defence lawyer and marijuana policy expert.
Event organizer, Jacob Hunter, echoes that a new approach is past due, “Bill C-26 would send people to jail for 6 months minimum for growing a few marijuana plants. That doesn't make any sense, especially since the criminal law clearly doesn’t do anything to reduce the supply of, and demand for, marijuana. The drug war doesn't work in the US and it won't work here. We should be doing things differently.”
A comprehensive report from a special committee of the Senate of Canada found that marijuana prohibition does more harm to Canadian society than the use of marijuana. The Senate Committee unanimously recommended legalizing and regulating the marijuana markets. Advocates of reform told their MPs that they want to take control out of the hands of criminals and suburban growers, and instead license production by farmers and distribution by regulated outlets.
By and large, Canadians agree that reform is needed. A 2004 SES poll found that only 8% of Canadians support criminal sanction for adult marijuana use. A 2006 Macleans poll determined that 63% of the public is fine with recreational marijuana use, and a whopping 93% support medical marijuana users. “The real question is why politicians are not listening,” claimed Tousaw, “Why do they ignore the expert evidence? Why do they ignore the will of the people? The evidence is in. While marijuana use, like almost anything, carries some minor risks, every government study and even the Supreme Court of Canada has found that those risks are small. It is barbaric to continue to lock people up for marijuana.”
Event organizers plan to continue to take their message to Parliament. A comprehensive packet of educational material is being prepared to submit to MPs and a letter-writing campaign is already underway. Marijuana activist Marc Emery put it this way, “We will never give up as long as our government ignores the damage being done in the name of marijuana prohibition. Canadians know injustice when they see it, and the war on marijuana and marijuana users is one of the most unjust policies in Canada today.”
Contacts: Jacob Hunter, National Event Coordinator, arplar@gmail.com or 604-803-4085.
Kirk Tousaw, 604.836.1420 or kirk@tousawlaw.ca
December 17, 2007
Historic Protest at MP Offices Across Canada - Widespread Opposition to C-26
In every province in Canada, ordinary Canadians have gathered to tell their MP to vote no to the Conservative drug war plan (Bill C-26) and, instead, to explain why they support continuing the failed policy of marijuana prohibition. The noon protest, planned to occur at every MP’s office in Canada, drew widespread support.
“I'm concerned that the government isn't listening to the people on this issue. Only 8% of Canadians support criminal sanctions for marijuana, yet the Conservative drug war plan will jail a lot more people, including a lot of non-violent marijuana offenders. It's a mistake, and a bad one,” said Kirk Tousaw, a Vancouver criminal defence lawyer and marijuana policy expert.
Event organizer, Jacob Hunter, echoes that a new approach is past due, “Bill C-26 would send people to jail for 6 months minimum for growing a few marijuana plants. That doesn't make any sense, especially since the criminal law clearly doesn’t do anything to reduce the supply of, and demand for, marijuana. The drug war doesn't work in the US and it won't work here. We should be doing things differently.”
A comprehensive report from a special committee of the Senate of Canada found that marijuana prohibition does more harm to Canadian society than the use of marijuana. The Senate Committee unanimously recommended legalizing and regulating the marijuana markets. Advocates of reform told their MPs that they want to take control out of the hands of criminals and suburban growers, and instead license production by farmers and distribution by regulated outlets.
By and large, Canadians agree that reform is needed. A 2004 SES poll found that only 8% of Canadians support criminal sanction for adult marijuana use. A 2006 Macleans poll determined that 63% of the public is fine with recreational marijuana use, and a whopping 93% support medical marijuana users. “The real question is why politicians are not listening,” claimed Tousaw, “Why do they ignore the expert evidence? Why do they ignore the will of the people? The evidence is in. While marijuana use, like almost anything, carries some minor risks, every government study and even the Supreme Court of Canada has found that those risks are small. It is barbaric to continue to lock people up for marijuana.”
Event organizers plan to continue to take their message to Parliament. A comprehensive packet of educational material is being prepared to submit to MPs and a letter-writing campaign is already underway. Marijuana activist Marc Emery put it this way, “We will never give up as long as our government ignores the damage being done in the name of marijuana prohibition. Canadians know injustice when they see it, and the war on marijuana and marijuana users is one of the most unjust policies in Canada today.”
Contacts: Jacob Hunter, National Event Coordinator, arplar@gmail.com or 604-803-4085.
Kirk Tousaw, 604.836.1420 or kirk@tousawlaw.ca
04/12: Why Prohibition?
Category: Current Events
Posted by: jacob
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2007
Canadians Unite Against Bill C-26 – Ask MPs “Why Prohibit Marijuana?”
An exciting new grass-roots political campaign is beginning to grow across Canada. In response to the Americanization of Canadian drug policy by the Conservative Party of Canada, ordinary Canadians are standing up to ask a simple question: Why?
On November 20th, 2007 the Conservative government of Canada introduced Bill C-26, imposing mandatory minimum jail sentences for cannabis (marijuana) offences in an attempt to appear “tough” on crime. In reality, the government’s own experts have said time and again – most recently in the Department of Justice analysis accompanying the CPC’s other “get tough” crime bill – that these extreme measures simply don't work. This American-style legislation has been met with sweeping condemnation from experts and members of the public across Canada. At noon on December 17, 2007, ordinary Canadians will be gathering at their local Member of Parliament’s office to ask their MPs to filibuster and if necessary vote against Bill C-26 and to force them to justify any continued support for the failed and harmful policy of marijuana prohibition.
“Mandatory minimums have already failed to curb drug use and sales in the US and simply ended up filling their jails to brimming with non-violent marijuana offenders” said Kirk Tousaw, a Vancouver criminal defence lawyer that has practiced on both sides of the border, “Worse, the evidence on marijuana is pretty unequivocal: prohibition is causing more harm than it prevents. So the question for Parliament is why? Why does marijuana prohibition have the support of the House of Commons?”
Tousaw, whose UBC Master’s in Law thesis examined Canadian cannabis policy, said: “Cannabis and cannabis policy has been studied extensively and thoroughly by our government and many others. The conclusions are unequivocal. Prohibition doesn’t reduce use or supply. Prohibition supports organized crime by providing criminals with constant revenues. Prohibition creates dangerous black markets with no controls and causes people to grow marijuana in suburban basements instead of on farms and in greenhouses. And marijuana itself is far safer than virtually all of our legal drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, prescription and over-the-counter medications. The public understands this perfectly – 63% support legalization. Yet Parliament has ignored all of this. Why?”
To find out the answer, on December 17, 2007 Canadians will meet at MP’s offices across Canada. Starting at noon, these citizens will ask their representatives to meet and explain what the MP’s marijuana position is. If the MP supports prohibition, he or she will be asked why. Event organizer Jacob Hunter put it this way, “We want them to answer a simple question; Why? We want to see the evidence they used to formulate their carefully considered position. We want to know why they still support the failure that is prohibition.”
WhyProhibition.ca for information
Contacts: Jacob Hunter, National Event Coordinator, arplar@gmail.com or 604-803-4085.
Kirk Tousaw, 604.836.1420 or kirk@tousawlaw.ca
December 4, 2007
Canadians Unite Against Bill C-26 – Ask MPs “Why Prohibit Marijuana?”
An exciting new grass-roots political campaign is beginning to grow across Canada. In response to the Americanization of Canadian drug policy by the Conservative Party of Canada, ordinary Canadians are standing up to ask a simple question: Why?
On November 20th, 2007 the Conservative government of Canada introduced Bill C-26, imposing mandatory minimum jail sentences for cannabis (marijuana) offences in an attempt to appear “tough” on crime. In reality, the government’s own experts have said time and again – most recently in the Department of Justice analysis accompanying the CPC’s other “get tough” crime bill – that these extreme measures simply don't work. This American-style legislation has been met with sweeping condemnation from experts and members of the public across Canada. At noon on December 17, 2007, ordinary Canadians will be gathering at their local Member of Parliament’s office to ask their MPs to filibuster and if necessary vote against Bill C-26 and to force them to justify any continued support for the failed and harmful policy of marijuana prohibition.
“Mandatory minimums have already failed to curb drug use and sales in the US and simply ended up filling their jails to brimming with non-violent marijuana offenders” said Kirk Tousaw, a Vancouver criminal defence lawyer that has practiced on both sides of the border, “Worse, the evidence on marijuana is pretty unequivocal: prohibition is causing more harm than it prevents. So the question for Parliament is why? Why does marijuana prohibition have the support of the House of Commons?”
Tousaw, whose UBC Master’s in Law thesis examined Canadian cannabis policy, said: “Cannabis and cannabis policy has been studied extensively and thoroughly by our government and many others. The conclusions are unequivocal. Prohibition doesn’t reduce use or supply. Prohibition supports organized crime by providing criminals with constant revenues. Prohibition creates dangerous black markets with no controls and causes people to grow marijuana in suburban basements instead of on farms and in greenhouses. And marijuana itself is far safer than virtually all of our legal drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, prescription and over-the-counter medications. The public understands this perfectly – 63% support legalization. Yet Parliament has ignored all of this. Why?”
To find out the answer, on December 17, 2007 Canadians will meet at MP’s offices across Canada. Starting at noon, these citizens will ask their representatives to meet and explain what the MP’s marijuana position is. If the MP supports prohibition, he or she will be asked why. Event organizer Jacob Hunter put it this way, “We want them to answer a simple question; Why? We want to see the evidence they used to formulate their carefully considered position. We want to know why they still support the failure that is prohibition.”
WhyProhibition.ca for information
Contacts: Jacob Hunter, National Event Coordinator, arplar@gmail.com or 604-803-4085.
Kirk Tousaw, 604.836.1420 or kirk@tousawlaw.ca
Category: Current Events
Posted by: jacob
Check out the video for the December 17th National Day of Action against Bill C26; A Mandatory Minimum 6 Month sentence for 1 Marijuana plant is an unconscionably disproportionate sentence to apply. This kind of American style Drug War has no basis in science, fact, experience of evidence; it is pure, senseless ideology.
If you want to attend the Monday, December 17th, at Noon, event in your town, email Jacob, arplar@gmail.com the National Event Coordinator for details and the email address of the local coordinator in your town!
For now, check out Marc and Jodie Emery, along with myself on YouTube courtesy of Pot-TV:
Marc, Jodie and Jacob on YouTube; Remember December 17!
If you want to attend the Monday, December 17th, at Noon, event in your town, email Jacob, arplar@gmail.com the National Event Coordinator for details and the email address of the local coordinator in your town!
For now, check out Marc and Jodie Emery, along with myself on YouTube courtesy of Pot-TV:
Marc, Jodie and Jacob on YouTube; Remember December 17!
