Canada Marijuana Arrests Jump Dramatically

[+EdwardGlen]

Insanity in individuals is rare - but in groups, parties, nations, and epochs, it is the rule.

- Friedrich Nietzsche

 

 

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2011/jul/25/canada_marijuana_arrests_jump_dr

 

New numbers from Statistics Canada show marijuana arrests jumped dramatically last year. According to its annual crime report, pot possession arrests increased 14% last year, and accounted for more than half (54%) of all drug arrests in Canada. That has advocates crying foul.

 

Some 58,000 Canadians were arrested for pot possession in 2010, and another 18,000 were arrested for marijuana trafficking, also up significantly with a 10% increase over 2009.

 

Cocaine possession and trafficking arrests actually declined, down 6% and 4%, respectively, but arrests for all other drugs also increased. Arrests for drug possession were up 10% and for drug trafficking up 5%.

 

The increase in drug arrests comes amidst a decline in arrests for most other criminal offenses. Almost every category of violent crime dropped, with overall violent crime down 3%, while a similar portrait emerged with property crime. Every category of property crimes decreased, with overall property crime down 6%.

 

The marijuana arrest figures got under the skin of the Vancouver-based Beyond Prohibition Foundation, which laid into the Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephan Harper over the uptick, as well as over its medical marijuana policies and its efforts to impose mandatory minimum sentences for cultivating as few as six pot plants.

 

"What we are seeing is a coordinated effort led by the Conservative government to crack down on simple marijuana possession as part of a multi-billion dollar increase in the war on drugs. At a time when almost every country in the world is recognizing the total and abject failure of the war on drugs, this Conservative government is increasing spending by billions of dollars" said Kirk Tousaw, executive director of the Beyond Prohibition Foundation.

 

Mr. Harper continues to talk about how government spending needs to be reduced, and how we can't afford social programs, yet he is pouring billions into the failed drug war," Tousaw continued. "Why? Why did 58,000 Canadians need to be arrested over a plant that more Canadians want legalized than voted for Conservative candidates? Why is Mr. Harper spending billions to arrest Canadians for simple marijuana possession?

 

"It's become clear what this government's priorities are," said Jacob Hunter, the foundation's policy director. "A crackdown on simple marijuana possession, mandatory minimum sentences for growing even one marijuana plant, and a dismantling of the medical marijuana program. This is nothing less than a total war on marijuana" said Jacob Hunter, the foundation's policy director.

 

Canadian marijuana activists, who seemed so close to freeing the weed just a few years ago, have their work cut out for them.

 

Canada

[Uncle Bud]

This is what happens when our government tells another country how to handle it's law and enforcement.

[Estimated Prophet]

Stephen Harper is the Canadian George Bush

[Croppled1]

"Stephen Harper is the Canadian George Bush "

 

 

 

 

From how he has effected my life on this side of the border I feel I can say Harper makes George Bush come off like a genius . Ask the million's of Canadians that believed in the Canadian Governments " Trust " system for their retirements he dismantled destabilizing the wealth of the populous .. Sadly what were seeing in both Countries is a nostalgia for the " old " days and mores resulting in conservatives being voted in who are anything but true conservatives . Many operate similar to fascists . ( I beg people to look at tapes of medical patients being tried ) Were seeing anything but Senior Bush's kinder and gentler Nation(s) evolving . When you have politicians and people who are in power that believe in policies based on "the ends justify the means " negating the :Bill of Rights which has been the cornerstone of DEA and National Security policy practice you have destroyed freedom and the common good . . .

 

I am still aghast at Schuettes last opinions waiting to see if the State Police are going to start raiding en mass . The AG's latest opinions put everyone in a more dangerous position of conflict and shows the fascist mentality many of the conservatives truly follow . He is not out to help the Citizens Initiative form in the free market under the Act for patients benefit but apparently wants to regain control of then see the legislature award medical cannabis manafacturing and distribution to a special interest group who understand the good ole boy system .

[Kevin]

The good ol' boy system that patients follow is a bit different. This good ol' boy helps that good ol' boy and he helps another good ol' boy. The compassion we have and show for our fellows is totally opposite from the injustice they practice.

 

I'm convinced that some of them should be arrested and charged with treason for the awful things they are doing to we the people, our state and our country. It's just wrong.