Should Canada liberalize its drug laws and decriminalize marijuana possession?
Click here to have your saySome twenty-four years ago, the Dutch government embarked upon an innovative experiment, a tolerant “soft drug” policy, whose repercussions today are wide-ranging. Back in 1976, the Dutch Parliament liberalized its policy towards drug use, a policy differing broadly from that of its European neighbours. The new drug legislation differentiated drugs such as heroin, cocaine and LSD, which were viewed as presenting “an unacceptable risk,” from the “softer,” less dangerous cannabis products. Possession of 30 grams of marijuana or hashish (supposedly enough to satisfy the average user’s needs for several weeks) was decriminalized. With certain restrictions, the Dutch government also permitted sale of marijuana and hashish in licensed coffee shops. These shops were prohibited from advertising or selling more than 30 grams to one customer. The sale of hard drugs was illegal in the shops, as were sales to persons under 18 years of age. Importing, exporting and sellin
