The irony of Canada’s laws that tethers marijuana producers and users

There is a constant clamor around the world to legalize and legitimize the use of cannabis (marijuana).
With more researchers advocating the use of medical cannabis to treat minor and major health problems,
mental and physical, pro-legalization pleas have turned into a full-fledged cacophony that the government
willingly ignores. Ironically, the myths associated with the wrongly nicknamed “Devil's Trumpet” out of
fear and sheer ignorance outweigh laboratory results reiterating how cannabis-based medicines help treat
patients or mitigate pain in many cases. Simply put, marijuana is panacea disguised as serrated leaves
whose soothing effects are ignored and unwarrantedly denounced. The criticism by legislators, most of
them with very little knowledge of science and medicine, comes in the wake of naysayers viewing
marijuana’s plantation and use as nothing short of organized crime.

Legalizing marijuana use

In a cruel turn of fate, we now find pharmaceutical companies around the world collaborating to acquire
medical cannabis. For example, recently Dr Reddy’s Laboratories entered into an agreement with Nimbus
Health GmbH to buy medicinal cannabis. Ironically, even a small country like Malta has rules in place to
decriminalize recreational users, thus, relieving them of unjustified harassment by the police. Besides, this
country also allows non-profit organizations to grow cannabis plants and distribute them to smokers
through cannabis associations. The change in rules has set the precedent for pro-cannabis media and
cannabis rights organizations to draw attention to stringent laws that prohibit and punish marijuana use in
many countries including Canada.

Restricting marijuana use

Many American states have voted in favor of medical marijuana, which means that marijuana
consumption in these states is now legal. This is distinct from laws in Canada that have set limits for
marijuana purchase and possession. With rules controlling the production, distribution, sale and
possession of cannabis across Canada, free use of this recreational leaf is largely limited or prohibited.
Even carrying medical cannabis across the border is illegal, which means that state permits or
authorization by healthcare providers are prerequisite to marijuana purchase and use. The youth are
restricted against using and promoting cannabis under the garb of protecting them, despite studies not
hinting at any major or serious side effects.

In favor of public health

Strict safety and quality regulations have sidelined the benefits of marijuana use as much they ignore the
leaf’s calming effects. While public education has indeed raised awareness about marijuana use, there is a
need to loosen up some unnecessary laws that have given a bad name to cannabis frequented by many for
enjoyment. The Federal government’s rules restricting growth against producers who grow and produce
cannabis on their lands have served as a deterrent to many who also wish to cultivate the same for better
earnings.

While prohibition has led to black marketing of the leaf and its components (in both dried and liquid
form), slackening of the rules will lead to fewer cases of smuggling and illegal transit of cannabis around
the country.
The idea is to set procedures that forbid mismanagement and misuse. Laying down clear guidelines as
opposed to letting the police loose on recreational marijuana users will do no good, either now or later.