- NORML Canada National Conference
- Harper Says that Majority of Canadians Do Not Want Marijuana Legalized
- International Centre for Science in Drug Policy Frustrated by Continuous False Claims Made About Cannabis
- Court Allows Mother to Use Cannabis Derivative to Treat Her Child in Alberta
NORML Canada National Conference
This October’s federal election is especially important to cannabis law reformers, growers and patients. For the first time in election history we essentially have a referendum on legalization.
While the rest of the world is seemingly embracing the health, social and economic benefits of cannabis, Canada, under the current Conservative leadership, is lagging far behind, instead preferring an outdated prohibitionist tough on crime stance which has left countless Canadian’s lives ruined.
Both Prime Minister Harper and Health Minister Rona Ambrose have exhibited vehement disdain towards cannabis users and dispensaries. Even more alarming? The same vehemence has been displayed towards Canada’s highest court with recent decisions against government policies as they have conflicted with our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Enough! Join us as we discuss electoral strategy and the implications for the Canadian canna industry and consumers.
The conference will feature some of the most notable legalization proponents, including John Conroy, Paul Lewin and Craig Jones, among many others.
Speakers, auction, door prizes and fun.
Act fast, space is limited.
10$ Advance tickets are available here or 20$ at the door
September 26, 1:00 PM
Vapor Central – 667 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario
For information and sponsorship enquiries please contact John Vergados at 514.867.6694 or john@skunkmagazine.com
Harper Says that Majority of Canadians Do Not Want Marijuana Legalized
Stephen Harper has kicked off his elections campaign by staying strong in his stance against the legalization of marijuana. Earlier this month on the campaign trail, he stated that the majority of Canadians do not want legalization of marijuana, adding that “We just think that’s the wrong direction for society and I don’t think that’s the way most Canadians want to deal with this particular problem.” Harper also claimed that in jurisdictions where marijuana has become legal, such as parts of the U.S., the drug becomes “more readily available to children,” and “more people become addicted.” In addition, Harper also promised to increase funding to help the RCMP target the production of illegal drugs, including grow-ops.
Harper’s claims run contrary to a 2014 poll by the Department of Justice obtained by Torstar News Service. The poll indicated that a strong majority of Canadians think the federal government should either legalize marijuana or decriminalize the possession of small amounts. The poll was kept secret by the Conservatives for months but still found that 70 per cent of respondents believe pot laws should be “loosened.”
Of the 3,000 respondents, only 13.7 per cent of respondents supported the status quo, while 12 per cent said they believe Ottawa should impose harsher penalties.
International Centre for Science in Drug Policy Frustrated by Continuous False Claims Made About Cannabis
International Centre for Science in Drug Policy (ICSDP) is a network of scientists and academics from around the world committed to improving the health and safety of communities and individuals by working with the best scientific evidence available on illegal drug policies.
Earlier this month, the ICSDP released two groundbreaking reports evaluating the most common misconceptions about cannabis. As part of their research, the ICSDP gathered scientists to conduct a review of the thirteen most common claims about cannabis use and cannabis regulation. The review found that none of the claims were strongly supported by the scientific evidence.
A comprehensive review of the scientific research on cannabis titled “State of the Evidence: Cannabis Use and Regulation” is available at www.icsdp.org/cannabis_claims_reports. There is also a summary report titled “Using Evidence to Talk About Cannabis” to provide readers with evidence-based responses to the most common myths.
Dr. Dan Werb, Director of the ICSDP, notes the importance of the timing of the report: “We are at a critical juncture, as more and more jurisdictions are reconsidering their policies on cannabis,” said Dr. Dan Werb. “Yet, the public discourse around cannabis is filled with frequently repeated claims that are simply not supported by the scientific evidence.”
Cannabis policy will be a federal election issue in Canada this October. The Liberal Party has stated that they will legalize and regulate cannabis if elected. However, the Conservative Party remains committed to a ‘tough on crime’ approach to drugs.
Court Allows Mother to Use Cannabis Derivative to Treat Her Child in Alberta
Lita Pawliw’s daughter Natalya suffers from epilepsy which cannabis oil was used to treat. Child and Family Services of Alberta attempted to force her to stop using the marijuana derivative and to use prescribed pharmaceuticals. Pawliw claims that the pharmaceuticals prescribed by doctors caused her daughter to be “lifeless” and did not work. Cannabis derivatives, however, allow young Natalya to be seizure free.
The Province withdrew its supervision order on August 27, 2015, and the Pawliw’s are continuing with their treatment program for Natalya. The government has not made a comment in regards to withdrawing the order. NORML Canada supports families affected by conditions which require medical cannabis.