Canada's Marijuana Decriminalization Could Push Up Prices

Join Together Online ^ | 5/14/2003 | unknown

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Marijuana advocates warned that Canada's plan to decriminalize marijuana could increase prices for the drug and attract criminals to the trade, the Edmonton Sun reported May 11.

The federal government is poised to decriminalize simple possession of marijuana, with possession of less than 15 grams of marijuana considered a ticketing offense, rather than a criminal one.

However, the proposal also calls for tougher penalties for trafficking and production of marijuana.

"If the government is really serious about increasing penalties against people who are trafficking, they're contradicting themselves," said Munir Ahmad of the Edmonton Compassion Network. "Why would they allow consumption, but punish providers more seriously?"

Ahmad said after Amsterdam decriminalized marijuana, the price of the drug increased. He expects the tough penalties for dealers under Canada's plan would also push up prices and increase market competition.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

I would have thought that this would drive prices down.

[xrp]

Legalize it and let major drug companies produce it and it will.

[Sunsong]

If Canada decriminalizes pot, they can expect the US to respond by slowing down all traffic at the border. Something I welcome.

[weegee]

"Marijuana advocates warned that Canada's plan to decriminalize marijuana could increase prices for the drug and attract criminals to the trade"

[xrp]

Let's see if we can get Mexico to decriminalize marijuana, also!

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

I saw that part about attracting criminals to the trade, as if the dealers right now are all upstanding citizens.

[Billthedrill]

Prices go up if supply contracts or demand expands. Hmm. Wonder which one will happen?

As far as "attracting criminals" - yeah, I guess it would be a shame if crooks got into growing and smuggling dope...unlike the innocents who are now doing it...

[INSENSITIVE GUY]

Let em pay!The same hypocrites who demand smoke free environments,SMOKE DOPE.

[RightWhale]

This makes no sense. You can't get it, you can't make it, but you can have it. What committee designed this ordnance?

[AmericaUnited]

Prices go up if supply contracts or demand expands.

I would say... "Prices go up if the risk of being a supplier goes up and demand expands."

Looks to me like mucho higher prices are ahead.

[Republicus2001]

I say simply let current pharmacy laws take effect. That is, there should be no law outlawing the growing of a plant on private property and if one wants to ingest it - fine. However, illegally prescribing and selling pharmaceuticals can be enforced. Avoiding sales tax is another angle, etc...we have enough laws. IMHO, the WOD is simply government makework

[RightWhale]

100 years ago this weed grew wild along trails and railroads. No one smoked or ate it. The only reason it is popular now among the anarchists is that it has been declared illegal and use of it is a token stick in the eye of authority.

[battlegearboat]

anarchists?

[RightWhale]

Anarchists all. Type 4 utopists.

[MrLeRoy]

Ahmad said after Amsterdam decriminalized marijuana, the price of the drug increased.

If so, drug tourism into that tiny area could well account for it. I don't think Canada, third-largest country in the world, needs to worry about it.

[Wolfie]

My dealer's a pretty nice guy, but he's not Canadian.

[jmc813]

WOD Ping