Justice minister pushes prison sentences for single-plant pot heads
In what is possibly the most controversial justice bill proposed by the Conservatives, pot dealers could face mandatory jail time in a bid to quell what they say is being used as “currency” to import hard drugs. The new legislation would impose one-year sentences for marijuana dealers when the activity is tied to organized crime or involves a weapon, and two-year sentences for dealing drugs like methamphetamines, heroin cocaine, heroin to young people. Those who grow pot would also face jail time; six months for sprouting one to 200 plants, and two years for harvesting 500 plants or more. Critics argue the bill would land drug addicts—rather than big-time dealers—in jail, without access to treatment programs.