Marijuana Charges In Canada Hits Record Low In 20 Years

Marijuana Charges In Canada Hits Record Low In 20 Years

Cannabis –related convictions in Canada have dropped to a record low in the last 20 years,  following a 6-year trend nearing the legalization of adult use cannabis.

Data from Statistics Canada revealed that in 2017, roughly 13,800 people faced charges for cannabis possession, a massive improvement from the 28,000 convictions in 2011. According to Abbotsford Police Department deputy chief Mike Serr, there are two reasons that contribute to this.  “Police forces have been focused on the opioid crisis and all the public health issues surrounding it,” Serr says.  “And as we get closer to legalization, more police officers are using their discretion when dealing with minor infractions – especially those not involved with organized crime,” he adds.

The most significant decreases were observed in northern Ontario, particularly in the greater Sudbury area and Thunder Bay. In these communities, marijuana possession charges fell by over 40% since 2016.

Beginning October 17, Canadians will be allowed to legally buy and consume cannabis for recreational purposes. However, it will be up to territories and provinces to decide on their regulations surrounding the implementation of adult-use legalization.

And while cannabis and cocaine-related crimes have dropped, crimes for all other kinds of drugs have continued to rise in Canada since 2010, according analyst Warren Silver of the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, an agency of Statistics Canada. Specifically, heroin-related charges have been at their highest ever since 1998, with 1,224 individuals charged with heroin trafficking in 2017 – almost four times as much than a decade ago.

 

What About Amnesty?

Meanwhile, the federal Liberal party is pressured to clear criminal records of people convicted of cannabis-related charges in the past.  After all, why should Canadians still have criminal records for a drug that has been legalized?

Earlier this year, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale supported the idea, saying that the government is working on “weighing all of the legal implications to make sure that we fully understand all the dimensions of this and, when we’re in a position to make an announcement, we will do so.” Theoretically, in Ottawa it’s as simple as instructing programmers to erase charges for marijuana possession, as they did in 2014 when data experts eliminated all copies of the gun registry in four days. Which is also what happened in other places like California, which has also legalized recreational cannabis, where crimes for the possession of cannabis was simply erased while penalties for selling and cultivating pot were also reduced.

 

But according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, although people are suffering from the consequences of possessing a drug that will be legalized soon, “anyone who is currently purchasing marijuana is participating in illegal activity that is funding criminal organizations and street gangs.”

What’s worrisome is that the marginalized communities in Canada are at higher risk for feeling the wrath of outdated crime, since it’s the low-income and racialized Canadians who are disproportionately prosecuted and harmed.  This means that they lose the opportunity to work in the cannabis industry. “It’s one thing to expunge someone’s criminal record,” says Aksawi Owusu-Bempah of the University of Toronto. “It’s much more useful to try and mend the very real problems caused by drug prohibition.” He cites the effort of Californian cities in clearing cannabis-related crimes, and says that their approach which was to direct added tax revenues to the communities who have been greatly impacted by the old laws, could benefit Canada’s communities.

 

 

Stiffer Penalties

Canada’s approach is still archaic; the current Controlled Drugs and Substances Act states that there are 8 types of cannabis-related crimes including trafficking, possession, exporting and importing. But with the Cannabis Act there are 45 offenses on top of even harsher penalties. The new law says that individuals can legally possess a maximum of 30 grams of pot and grow up to 4 plants (although the rules may vary according to each province.)

Additionally, the new law also mandates the creation of “illicit cannabis” which refers to all products that are not bought in a store that is provincially regulated or legally grown. Anyone caught selling “illicit cannabis” to minors, which includes sharing joints with teenagers, can face as much as $15,000 in fines and 18 months in prison. But if you sell liquor to a minor, this can land you a fine of $10,000 at most, at least in a majority of the provinces.

How Long Does Marijuana Stay in Your System?

 

 

Urine Tests

These are the most common. The time of detection is longer than one of saliva and factors like weight, body fat, amount of marijuana and how often it was used are related to how long the THC will remain in your urine. Regardless of fat or body mass, these are the data: if you have consumed once in life, the test will give positive between 1-6 days after consuming.

An infrequent smoker, 1 or 2 times a month, will be positive for 7-13 days after consuming. A frequent user, several times a week, may take 2 weeks or more to remove all MARIJUANA. And for the smokers, several times a day, every day, the maximum obtained to date, between 45-90 days for their total disappearance.

These would act similar to when we drink a lot of water, thus diluting the urine. If the urine is very dilute the laboratory will reject it because it is incapable of analyzing it correctly, which will cause the test to be repeated, and which will serve you if all you wanted was to gain some time.

Saliva Tests

These are much less common than urine and will only turn positive about 12 hours after your last draft, so they are much easier to pass than urine.

Hair Testing

The marijuana only stays in the hair a week after its last draft, so waiting about 8-9 days will suffice. This test presents a failure and is because sometimes the marijuana remains attached to the hair follicles. And in case of adhering, it could not be said that it has been consumed, since this effect could also occur in environments where the smoke contains TUCA.

Blood Test

These are almost always used by the authorities, as they must determine the amount of active marijuana in the bloodstream. Smoking provides the fastest way to absorb. In just 9 minutes the body gets the maximum levels of marijuana. However, 15 minutes later the THC in blood is reduced considerably, falling to significantly lower levels within the next two hours.

With a small dose, between 3 and 12 hours after smoking the THC would no longer be detectable. If the dose is higher, we would talk between 6 and 27 hours. These data are only for people who do not smoke regularly.

THC When Eating

Here the case changes a little, and the effects of the THC are not noticed until several hours after eating. Here blood THC levels would remain detectable up to 25 hours after consuming and THC metabolites about 50 hours to fall below detectable levels.

Legalization of Marijuana in Canada

Marijuana in Canada, As per Canadian laws, marijuana is classified as Schedule II drug under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act, which means that unless otherwise regulated for production and distribution for medical purposes, it is subject to offenses under that Act. Possessing and selling marijuana remains illegal and dispensaries & compassion clubs are not allowed to sell marijuana. The government is all set to propose a Cannabis Act which aims to legalize marijuana as a recreational drug. This Act would have a strict framework to control the production, distribution, sale and possession of marijuana.

The proposed Act will not only restrict youth access to marijuana but also deter and reduce criminal activities by imposing serious criminal penalties. Since the supply is systematic, this Act intends to protect public health through products passed according to safety and quality requirements. Adults can possess and access regulated and quality-controlled marijuana and this Act also makes the public aware of the health risks associated with marijuana.

Let’s have a look at the rules proposed by the Cannabis Act:

  • Any person under the age of 18 can not sell or provide marijuana to any other person.
  • Any person trying to give or sell marijuana to youth or using a youth to commit an offense related to marijuana can be penalized for maximum 14 years in jail.
  • The Act also prohibits the below penalties for which can be a fine up to $5 million or 3 years in jail:
    • Packaging, labeling or promoting marijuana to make it look appealing to youth
    • Selling marijuana through vending machines
  • The Act also proposes that adults who would be 18 years or older can legally
    • Possess up 30 grams of legal marijuana (dried or non-dried form)
    • Share 30 grams of legal marijuana with other adults
    • Purchase dried or fresh marijuana or marijuana oil from a provincially/federally licensed retailer
    • Grow 4 marijuana plant up to 100 cm per residence, for personal use from licensed seeds
    • Prepare marijuana products at home without using organic solvents.

While the above rules sound a systematic approach to the distribution of marijuana, it is definitely better than the status quo where the criminal elements were profiting from marijuana and everybody (including kids) has easy access to the drug. At the same time, it brings up new challenges in front of law enforcement and medical authorities. How will police test the ‘high’ drivers? How will the law enforcement keep the drug away from young users? How will the existing international drug treaties be negotiated by diplomats?

The federal, provincial and territorial governments would share the responsibility of this new system. The responsibilities of the government would be to:

  • Set strict requirements for producers who grow marijuana
  • Set rules and standards for the following:
    • Type of marijuana products allowed for sale
    • Packaging and labeling requirements
    • Standardize serving sizes and potency
    • Prohibiting the usage of certain ingredients
    • Tracking the products from seed to final sale to avoid the product getting diverted to illicit markets
    • Restrict promotional activities

To quote PM Trudeau, “The intent of the legislation is not to encourage recreational use of marijuana – the intent is to better protect our kids from the easy access they have right now to marijuana [and] to remove the criminal elements that were profiting from marijuana.” While the intentions are clear, we can hope that this Act will set a systematic supply and distribution of marijuana products which is always better than the prevalence of illegal markets.

Cancer and Marijuana

Overview: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It causes 1 in 6 global deaths and around 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point of time. Cannabis plants originated in Central Asia and is grown worldwide today. They are better known for wrong reasons than for their medicinal values, despite the fact that they have been used for medicinal purpose for thousands of years.

Cannabinoids: Cannabises have many biologically active ingredients called cannabinoids; out of which two chemicals THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and cannabidiol are under study for medicinal values. Dronabinol and Nabilone, two of the cannabinoids are approved by the FDA for medical treatments. Both Dronabinol and Nabilone are used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, primarily when other methods of controlling nausea and vomiting have not worked well.

Cannabis’ status in U.S.: U.S. Government has classified cannabis as Schedule 1 drug. This classification implies that cannabis has a high potential for abuse and is not currently accepted for medical use in treatments in the U.S. Even under medical supervision, there is a lack of accepted safety for use of this drug. It is also illegal for any persons to manufacture, distribute, dispense or possess this drug unless specifically authorized. This imposes a number of impediments on researchers in scientific research.

Benefits of Cannabis for People Living with Cancer: Cannabises have different compounds and different strains which are resultant for different actions in the human body. Some combinations have successfully benefited cancerous people with respect to antiemetic effects, appetite stimulation, relief in pain and nausea, inflammation, anxiety and paranoia reduction, treating seizures and improved sleep. The effect of cannabis depends on how one consumes it. If taken by mouth, the THC takes hours to absorb which is then processed by the liver. It produces a second psychoactive compound and change consciousness, which is different from the effect from THC. If inhaled, the THC enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain quicker. Here, the second psychoactive compound has comparatively less of an effect, which fades faster as well.

Oncologists’ Take: Despite the classification by U.S. government, some oncologists support the option of recommending cannabis in cancer treatment. This is because of the documentation of benefits of using cannabis to relieve cancer symptoms. On the other hand, some oncologists have the opinion that people who are very excited about getting the cancer cured by cannabis oil forget that they are also undergoing conventional treatment. How much of their treatment is because of conventional treatment and how much is because of cannabis oil is difficult to ascertain?

Side Effects of Cannabis: As is applicable with all medicines, cannabises have their share of side effects. One of the most common side effects is addiction. Once the patient gets the hang of the high, it becomes an addiction which is very difficult to get rid of. It may also make the patient lose the control over movements, cause disorientation and cause unpleasant thoughts of paranoia. When a patient inhales cannabis, he inhales the same harmful substances found in tobacco smoke which are obviously not good for their health.

Cannabis for sure plays a role in relieving the patients from cancer symptoms but much more research is required to see if cannabis actually helps in cancer treatment. With the restriction put by the U.S. government, it is difficult for researchers to continue their studies.

Difference Between Indica & Sativa

Difference between Sativa & Indica

 

Overview: Cannabises are of two strains: Indica and Sativa, which have varied growing characteristics, highs and medicinal effects. Going by the effects, while sativa strains are invigorating and the ones which uplift cerebral effects, indica strains have sedating effects. In simple terms, while sativa makes you active, indica makes you passive and therefore it is important to know the difference between them to get the respective benefits.

Effect: Planning for some adventures? Sativa is great to provide an energized high and has full-body effects. If you have plans for chilling out on the couch, listening to music or simply taking a nap, Indica is one to go for. In contrast with Sativa strains, Indica strains focus on cerebral.

Traits: The sativa traits are energizing, uplifting, stimulating creativity, thoughts & appetite, promoting a sense of well-being, relieving headaches, migrainse & depression and reducing nausea. Indica traits are relaxing, relieving pain, aches, and to an extent spasms and seizures, reducing anxiety & stress, aiding in sleep and reducing inflammation. It is said that while sativa works on the mind, indica works on the body.

Relief from Symptoms: Since Sativa has invigorating, uplifting cerebral effects which provide relief from fatigue, depression, Attention Deficit Disorder and other mood disorders etc. Indica strains, on the other hand, are known for being physically sedating and can deal with insomnia and anxiety.

Leaf’s Shape: Sativa plants have slender leaves and Indica ones have broad leaves.

Plant Height: Sativa plants are tall and thin and can generally be up to 20 feet, it is often grown outdoors. Indica plants, on the other hand, are short and bushy with a height of only 3-4 feet and therefore can be grown in small spaces.

Geographical Difference: Sativa strains are grown in temperate areas near the equator (between 0 and 30 degrees latitude) for eg. Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Southeast Asia while Indica strains are grown in the Hindu Kush region of Middle East (between 30 to 50 degrees latitude) for eg. Turkey, Morocco, Afghanistan etc.

Flowering Time: Sativa strains take 10-16 weeks to produce buds whereas Indica ones take around 10-12 weeks.

Yield Size: A Sativa plant fetches us 3 ounces to 1 pound per plant which is high compared to 1.5 to 2.5 ounces per plant we get from an Indica one.

Flavor: Sativa has more or less a flavor similar to pines and Indica has a sweet flavor similar to blueberries.

Composition: The difference is because of the composition of cannabinoid content and the balance of other phytochemical compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. Also, the fact that sativa strains have a high THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content and low CBD (cannabidiol) content whereas indica strains have low THC content and comparatively high CBD content.

Photo courtesy of Leafbuyer.com

Conclusion: As mentioned earlier, sativa strains have strong and uplifting head high effects while indica strains have more body-centered, stoned effect and should be used accordingly. There are hybrid strains as well so as to incorporate the benefits of both sativa and indica. To make it easy to remember, have a look at this: sativa: activa; indica: in da couch. While sativa and activa rhyme, the alphabets of indica are split to make the phrase “in da couch”.

 

Cannabis Extracts & How It’s Made

On the internet you can find different ways to make cannabis extracts for medicinal purposes, some of which can have different names depending on the solvent used. You can find recipes online for preparation of tinctures, oils, spirits, etc. Although the names differ, what they all have in common is that they are a concentrate of cannabinoids and can be dosed in drops. There are different options for preparing extracts of Cannabis Marijuana.

The part of the plant that is used is referred to as flowers aka buds – it doesn’t matter if there are a little bit of leaves – and the main active principle is concentrated in the flower. It would be interesting to find varieties rich in CBD (cannabidiol), since these normally contain more THC.

Oil based extract:

It is preferable to use olive oil of the highest quality (extra virgin, first pressed)
This extract would be carried out as follows:

  • Put the boat of glass almost full with the chopped flowers
  • Fill boat with alcohol and close (it is advisable that it does not touch the light)
  • Boat has to be macerated – which means to soften or separate into parts by steeping in a liquid – for 30 to 40 days, stirring every 2 to 3 days if possible
  • After these days, filter and save as previously mentioned
  • If it were the case of being very urgent, in 10 days you have already extracted quite a few properties

Extract with alcohol or tinctures:

Extracts with alcohol, also called tinctures, are usually more potent than those made with olive oil, since alcohol extracts the active ingredients more easily.

It has to be taken into account that certain people do not tolerate alcohol or should not consume it because of its disease. In that case, use olive oil or alcohol, but let it evaporate enough to make it more potent and you are able to control the intake of so much alcohol.

Cannabis Microdoses:

Microdoses are used to treat different diseases by administering a hydroalcoholic solution of tinctures of medicinal plants, or even of patent medicines, in equivalent amounts from one thousandth to five times less than the usually recommended dose.

The dosage of the microdoses is as follows:

  • Usually taken 4 times a day, 3 drops under the tongue
  • In cases of serious illness or acute cases, 3 drops under the tongue can be administered every 5-10 minutes for 1 hour, then 3 drops every hour, and after 24 hours continue with the normal dosage.

To make the mircrodosis, first we will have to have the tincture or alcoholic extract explained above, that would be the mother tincture to make this preparation.

Preparation:

  • On the one hand we will have the mother tincture of Cannabis
  • Have a container (better in dropper), with the vehicle that will be the transmitter, which will help to get the functions of the plants to our brain; the vehicle would be composed of 2/3 parts water and 1/3 part alcohol; therefore if we have a dropper of 30 ml, 20 ml of water per 10 ml of alcohol.
  • Once with the full container of the vehicle would have to add the mother tincture, in this case from 10 to 30 drops per 10 ml. Each plant has different toxicities or different quality and quantity as in the case of Cannabis, that is why the number of drops of mother tinctures is per 10 ml.

 

Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana became a popular word that you can hear in televisions and radios, as well as you can read in newspapers and the internet. It has been describing as one of the most dangerous substances or plants due to effects it can give to the one using it. Countries had been aware of its effects and had made some laws regarding buying and selling it.

 

Getting to Know Marijuana

Marijuana has been the talk of the town and been one of the most dangerous substances that have been banned and illegalized to some countries. It can also be called by its slang terms Mary Jane, ganja, bud, grass, pot, herb, and weed. This looks like a gray mixture of shredded dried flowers and leaves of Cannabis sativa.

 

This specific substance can be used or consume in different ways:

 

  • Joint – rolling buds and papers; most common way to consume marijuana
  • Blunt – rolled cigar papers which hold much more marijuana
  • Pipe – lightweight and portable which keeps the smoking process simple
  • Drinks – brewing weed tea
  • Dab – known as Butane Hash Oil (BHO) which can be smoke with a rig with blowtorch
  • Bong – comes in all shapes and sizes and looks like a vase
  • Bubbler – mini bong in a size of a pipe which is portable and keeps smoking experience smooth and nice
  • Vaporizers – heats up marijuana without creating a smoke
  • Capsules – more potent and concentrated
  • Tincture – taken under the tongue and acts like you are smoking but without really the need for the smoke bit
  • Spray – effective, discrete, convenient, and quick
  • Edibles – delicious way to consume marijuana

 

Effects of Marijuana

There is always a reason why a specific country would not allow the use of marijuana. It has been studied that there are some effects of Marijuana which is not helpful and damages someone’s body and health. Some countries allow growing and using marijuana for it is used for medical purposes, but there are some that over consume it which leads to some effects.

 

         Short Term

  • Short term memory problems
  • Severe anxiety, paranoia
  • Very strange behavior, psychosis
  • Panic
  • Hallucinations
  • Sense of personal identity loss
  • Lowered reaction time
  • Increased heart rate and risk of stroke
  • Problems with body coordination
  • Sexual problems in males
  • Contract sexually transmitted diseases (STD) than nonusers in females

 

Long Term

  • Declined ID
  • Poor school performance, reason for dropping out
  • Impaired ability and thinking to perform and learn complex tasks
  • Lower life satisfaction
  • Addiction when started early and could not stop
  • Potential development of opiate abuse
  • Intimate partner violence which leads to relationship problems
  • Antisocial behavior including lying or stealing money
  • Financial difficulties due to Marijuana is expensive
  • Increased welfare dependence
  • Greater chances of not landing a job or being unemployed

 

Though negative outweigh positive effects, there are still some researchers that point out the health benefits of Marijuana once it has been used for medical purposes. Make sure to be aware either your country allows the use of it or it is prescribed by your physicians.