Cannabis in Canada: A Journey Through Time

Cannabis Use in Ancient Times

Thousands of years ago, Egyptians used cannabis for medicinal purposes. In 1200 BC, it was used to treat various ailments like glaucoma and inflammation. In the Middle Ages, hemp, a form of cannabis, was commonly found in herbal medicine.

Canadian Cannabis History

Cannabis has a deep-rooted history in Canada, with the first recorded crop planted in 1606. In 1802, the government encouraged hemp cultivation. However, in 1923, cannabis was criminalized without proper debate or reason.

Alcohol's Role

In the 1870s, Canada faced alcohol-related issues, leading to the Temperance Movement in 1827. While hemp continued to be used, cotton production reduced its popularity. Despite this, cannabis remained a legal ingredient in medicine until the 1900s.

Cannabis Criminalization

Canada criminalized cannabis in 1923, driven by a crackdown on drugs unrelated to cannabis. Racist perspectives and moral panic fueled this decision. In the 1970s, cannabis arrests surged, leading to protests and the Le Dain Commission, which suggested decriminalization.

Medical Cannabis Progress

In 1997, a medical cannabis user's case highlighted the medicinal benefits. In 2001, the 'Marihuana for Medical Access Regulations' allowed licensed patients to grow or access cannabis. However, cannabis laws remained unchanged until the proposed Cannabis Act in 2017.

Cannabis Legalization

On October 17, 2018, Canada legalized recreational cannabis, becoming the second country worldwide to do so. The Cannabis Act controls production, distribution, and possession, prioritizing safety and public health.

Ongoing Challenges

Regulatory adjustments and operational strategies are ongoing to support the cannabis industry. Education is crucial to eliminate stigma, especially as negative impacts of prohibition persist. Future progress should include amnesty for those convicted of cannabis charges.

Social Justice and Amnesty

Cannabis Amnesty, a social justice campaign, advocates for expunging small cannabis possession crimes from criminal records. Despite legalization, pardons, not permanent record deletion, are granted, with only a small percentage receiving them. Discussions on social justice, forward movement, and BIPOC involvement are essential for a fair and inclusive cannabis landscape.

Resource Information

Civilized. ‘The History of Marijuana in Canada.’ https://www.civilized.life/articles/new-blog-the-history-of-marijuana-in-canada/ (2017)

Catherine Carstairs. ‘Jailed for Possession: Illegal Drug Use, Regulation and Power in Canada, 1920-1961.’ (2006)

Leafly. ‘The History of Cannabis in Canada.’ https://www.leafly.ca/news/canada/history-cannabis-canada (2017)

Emily Murphy. ‘The Black Candle.’ (1922)

Catherine Carstairs. Jailed for Possession: Illegal Drug Use, Regulation and Power in Canada, 1920-1961.’ (2006)

CBC News Radio. ‘The Ban on Cannabis is Ending – Do You Know Why it Started?’ https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-october-15-2018-1.4862884/the-ban-on-cannabis-in-canada-is-ending-do-you-know-how-it-started-1.4545802 (2018)

Catherine Carstairs. ‘Jailed for Possession: Illegal Drug Use, Regulation and Power in Canada, 1920-1961.’ (2006)

Frank and Oak. ‘Cannabis Consumption’s Tech Update.’ https://www.frankandoak.com/handbook/culture/cannabis-and-tech (2019)

Cannabis Culture. ‘The History of Cannabis in Canada – Part 1 A Crucial World Commodity.’ https://www.cannabisculture.com/content/2014/02/28/history-cannabis-canada-part-1-crucial-world-commodity/. (2014)

Cannabis Culture. ‘The History of Cannabis in Canada – Part 4. Hemp Farmers Struggle Against Extinction.’ https://www.cannabisculture.com/content/2014/12/19/history-cannabis-canada-part-4-hemp-farmers-struggle-against-extinction/ (2014)

The Conversation. ‘Re-Criminalizing Cannabis is Worse Than 1930’s ‘Reefer Madness’.’ https://theconversation.com/re-criminalizing-cannabis-is-worse-than-1930s-reefer-madness-89821 (2018)

HuffPost. ‘Weed Legalization Fails to Address Racism in Canada’s Drug Laws.’ https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/the-conversation-canada/marijuana-legalization-amnesty-racism_a_23562757/ (2018)

Cannabis Amnesty. https://www.cannabisamnesty.ca/ (2017)