Is This Legalization?

Cannabis is regulated (in part) for the sake of public health. While it’s true that certain practices pose a threat to consumer safety, the ongoing criminalization of non-violent behaviour is concerning. IMHO it’s a waste of resources amid the deadly #OpioidCrisis.

“Illicit” cannabis = *same plant* as legal cannabis. The distinction is that it’s sold, produced, or distributed without legal authorization. The Cannabis Act (+ related rules) establishes a framework that excludes some legacy market participants who self-regulated for years.

Legalization was supposed to “reduce the burden on the criminal justice system in relation to cannabis.” Ironically, the federal government allocated hundreds of millions $$$ to train and equip police to investigate and prosecute cannabis crimes.

Recall that the enforcement of cannabis laws has disproportionately affected racialized and/or low-income individuals. #UnjustPolicing

Meanwhile, the people profiting the most from legalization are those who suffered the least during prohibition.

There are even ex-cops and politicians cashing in on the same industry they tried to destroy. It’s quite perverse.

Read about Julian Fantino.

Read about Raf Souccar.

At the provincial and municipal level, public health priorities are skewed. In what universe does it make sense to spend $361,459.49 on concrete blocks to enforce a cannabis retail monopoly while simultaneously defunding overdose prevention sites?

I am not into whataboutism. I just think we should be wary about using taxpayer $$$ to arrest and prosecute people for non-violent cannabis offences. If public health is a genuine priority, let’s focus on funding #opioid harm reduction initiatives instead of exacerbating the problem.