World Cannabis – Robert Moore – Jan 2023

It is time for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to release all individuals currently serving jail time for cannabis-related crimes. With the legalization of cannabis in Canada, it is clear that legislation surrounding the drug was never about preventing individuals from getting high, but rather about criminalizing certain behaviors. And now that cannabis is legal, it is important to rectify the injustices of the past.

The war on drugs has been a failure, and cannabis prohibition is a prime example. For decades, individuals have been arrested, charged, and incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. Many of these individuals have been disproportionately impacted communities of color, Indigenous peoples, and low-income individuals.

The legalization of cannabis in Canada was a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. It is time to take action and release those who are still serving time for cannabis-related crimes. This is not only a matter of justice, but also of public safety. Incarcerating individuals for cannabis-related crimes only serves to further strain an already overburdened criminal justice system and harms communities.

It is important to remember that the principle of “no victim, no crime” applies to cannabis offenses. The use or possession of cannabis may be considered a crime in the past, but now it is not. Therefore, those who are currently serving time for cannabis offenses should be released immediately.

In conclusion, it is time for Justin Trudeau and the Canadian government to take action and release all individuals currently serving time for cannabis-related crimes. The legalization of cannabis has made it clear that legislation surrounding the drug was never about preventing individuals from getting high, but about criminalizing certain behaviors. It is time to rectify the injustices of the past and release those who are still serving time for cannabis offenses. This is not only a matter of justice, but also of public safety.