In your textbook, the discussion on pages 183-184 outlines some of the issues associated with decriminalizing some aspects of recreational drug use.
The following chart about current Canadian laws on possession, sale, and use will help you with Assignment 2-Part D.
Possession
Sale
Use
Tobacco
Must be 18 to purchase (19 in some provinces);
Under-age possession is illegal in some provinces;
Introducing minors to tobacco is heavily fined.
Multiple health warning messages are required on packaging;
Advertising and sponsorship is prohibited;
Is heavily taxed.
Prohibited in public places and workplaces.
Alcohol
Legal age varies by province (age 19 in BC);
Under-age possession is illegal
Sold only in government liquor stores in most provinces;
Is heavily taxed;
Sale is restricted to licensed premises and specific hours;
Bringing in and out of Canada is controlled;
Advertising is controlled by laws
Some provinces restrict amounts sold in bars after certain hours;
Public consumption is prohibited, except with license;
Use while driving is prohibited.
Marijuana
Illegal, except with prescription;
First conviction for possession of 30 grams or less is subject to 6-month jail sentence or $1,000 fine, or both;
More jail time for possession of larger amounts.
Illegal, except with prescription.
Illegal, except with prescription.
Instructions
This assignment requires you to choose ONE of the following substances, and evaluate the arguments for and against changing the laws concerning possession, sale and use of that substance:
Tobacco
Alcohol
Marijuana
For this assignment, you will need to use the critical thinking guidelines in your textbook and apply them to your evaluation. The information in the previous chart and in your textbook briefly describes the current federal Canadian laws pertaining to the possession, sale and use of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. Use this information as you consider all sides of the question of whether these laws should be changed.
For example, at the moment tobacco is a legal, yet controlled, substance for adult use. Should the laws concerning its sale and use be changed-why or why not? What would be the logical outcomes of criminalizing tobacco use? Should tobacco sale be restricted more than it is currently? Should the government tax it more heavily-why or why not? Using these examples, construct a well-written critical evaluation of the costs and benefits to changing the laws pertaining to the possession, sale and use of tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana.