Canada
The Cannabis laws in Canada are not quite as strict as they are in America; however, things are not quite as liberal as many Canadians would prefer. Cannabis is set at Schedule II, and the accompanying cultivation and possession offences reflect this classification. The sale of seeds has become scrutinised over the past few years and is not acceptable throughout the whole country as was tolerated previously. Retailers must also be careful to not sell any seeds to those in the United States, where seed possession is a criminal offence. Due to certain treaties signed between Canadians and Americans (MLAT) it is possible for Canadian citizens to be incarcerated for large-scale drug crimes involving Americans or American Federal institutions, such as the postal service or Internet.
America
The U.S. Federal Government classes Cannabis as a Schedule I substance, claiming that it is a dangerous drug subject to an extreme amount of social abuse and containing no medical value. Even the most minor possession amounts of the drug or the seeds may lead to lengthy prison sentences. These penalties are often compounded by what are known as “collateral sanctions,” adding sometimes life-long restrictions on choices such as holding commercial licenses (real estate, child care, etc.), fostering or adopting children and even the ability to practice certain professions.
Cultivation is very risky in America and often carries similar if not higher penalties than possessing large amounts of Cannabis. Paraphernalia is also prohibited under Federal law, although each state also adheres to its own guidelines regarding whether residents may possess such items. Each state has also enacted, or chosen not to enact, laws regarding medical Cannabis. To ensure your safety the Cannabis College suggests you research the laws that govern your home area.
It should be noted that these laws apply to foreign nationals on holiday or business trips to the United States. Regardless of how your home country views Cannabis, in the U.S. you will be subject to the same penalties as American citizens.
Links (alphabetical list):
Worldwide Legislation: For country-by-country laws and statistics
www.druglibrary.org DRCNet (Online library of drug policy)
www.emcdda.europa.eu European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction
www.encod.org European Coalition for Just and Effective Drug Policies
www.unodc.org United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (Worldwide Drug Report archives)
United States and Territories: For state-by-state laws and statistics
www.dea.gov United States Drug Enforcement Agency
www.norml.org National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
www.whitehousedrugpolicy.org (State and city profiles from the American White House)
Barack Obama - The new U.S. President - See the YouTube video below to see what he said about marijuana back in 2004
