The task force appointed by the federal government to study the legalization of marijuana said Tuesday cannabis sales should be restricted to those 18 and older with a personal possession limit of 30 grams. The Canadian Medical Association had recommended setting the age at 21 — with strict limits on quantity and potency until 25 — but the task force said that higher age limits would simply drive young consumers into the hands of the black market, something the government hopes to actively discourage with its push to legalize. The report is said to suggest that provinces wishing to make marijuana use the same as that for alcohol — in Ontario that’s 19 — be permitted to do so. — CBC
A sensible recommendation. I’m always happy to see where the government errs towards not criminalizing the bahaviour of adolescents where possible. Trying to control cannabis possession between 18-25 would just have had these youngsters turning to criminals for their product. Why put them in danger that way? 18 as the legal age makes sense.
It’s the same thing I’ve said forever about the speed limits on the 400 series highways. If the vast majority of drivers are driving faster than 100Kph, then why are we ok with the vast majority of drivers “breaking the law”? Shouldn’t we just set the limit to what’s safe (clearly 120kph in normal weather has been safe for the vast majority of cases) and aggressively enforce that, rather than posting “speed suggestions” that no one follows and cause selective enforcement by police?