As everyone knows Canada is the first country in the world to sell marijuana to certified medical marijuana patients. Nonviolent drug offenders in that country are normally not given lengthy sentences by the court. There is a clear move towards marijuana decriminalization or even full legalization. Way back in 2002 Canada’s Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs did a comprehensive study on cannabis and concluded that the drug ought to be legalized. “Scientific evidence overwhelmingly indicates that marijuana is substantially less harmful than alcohol, and should be treated not as a criminal issue, but as a social and public health issue,” said Senator Pierre Claude Nolin, Chair of the Special Committee. Unfortunately, America is putting pressure on Canada not to pass harm minimization laws. This is despite the fact that our northern neighbor seriously monitors and evaluates the reforms that it has taken.

US Drug policy is much more influential south of the border. Drugs are seized on the way to the US in expensive interdiction campaigns. US demand is responsible for the influx of drugs but the failure of the authorities to contain this problem seems to lie on the shoulders of Mexico. On October 14, 2008 a bill was proposed in Mexico City’s Congress to legalize the consumption, possession and commerce of Marijuana. The bill states that only a person over 18 can have access to the drug, the places where marijuana is sold cannot also sell alcoholic drinks, and must be at least 1000 meters away from schools. The Government would issue special licenses for the distribution of marijuana in special places, similar to the legislation in the Netherlands. The Bill has yet to pass.

The US government’s influence on the decision-making of our neighbors is evident. However, it is satisfactory to note that a counter-current now exists and we will soon positive changes in the horizon.

Puerto Rico is thinking of new change. The main concern for the legalization of marijuana is to free the prisons which is overflowing with Marijuana charges. About 24 percent of the island’s 13,500 inmates have been convicted on drug charges, and an estimated 80 percent of crimes are drug-related, according to the Department of Corrections.

“The fight against drugs, using punishment, has not worked,” said Jos Manuel Saldaa, former president of the University of Puerto Rico. “This is a social reality.” People should not go to jail for smoking pot, he said. Too many young adults become criminals in prison and also risk contracting hepatitis and AIDS while there, Saldaa and Vzquez said.

The states can learn a lot from Puerto rico, The drug war is just to costly with almost no result. The question remains: Are we winning the war on drugs? Read the full story Here with details!