78.8 Marijuana
Whereas,
The administration or voluntary use of marijuana produces altered states of consciousness causing attitudinal and behavioural changes;
Whereas,
The metabolites of marijuana are fat soluble and are stored in the fatty tissues of the body to be released at a later, undetermined date;
Whereas,
The biochemical integrity or fragility of the individual is usually unknown and the potential for future breakdown is a risk; and,
Whereas,
The use of marijuana may mask or evoke medical problems which, left unattended, would be exaggerated;
Therefore be it,
RESOLVED, That the National Council of Women of Canada request the Government of Canada to maintain or increase legislation and regulations for control of use, sale or production of marijuana, except under the supervision of a licensed medical authority.
In March 1975, the National Council of Women of Canada submitted to the Senate Committee on Cannabis a Resolution which stated:
“That in light of new evidence we reiterate our Resolution of 1972 that Marijuana (Cannabis) should not be legalized.”
The National Council of Women of Canada views with alarm the penetration of cannabis that is marijuana, in our society.
In February 1978, Council, being aware of pressure on the Government to decriminalize and legalize the possession and sale of marijuana, circulated to its federated associations across Canada a resolution concerning the use of marijuana.
The above Resolution was approved at the NCWC 1978 Annual Meeting and forwarded for consideration to the Minister of Justice.
In reviewing the present status of law, it is requested that serious consideration be given to this NCWC Resolution, which supports past NCWC Resolutions submitted to the Government of Canada against the decriminalization of marijuana.
(This resolution was referred to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada NCWC letters of July 25 and August 5, 1978).