New Democrat Leader Thomas Mulcair said he would move toward the full legalization of marijuana, but he is focusing on decriminalization first because it can happen immediately ... "I am going to start by immediately doing something that I know I can and will do overnight, which is to make sure that nobody ever has to face a charge for personal use or possession of marijuana and of course we are on track to full legalization, but it is more complicated than snapping your fingers," said Mulcair. – The Star

Dominant Social Theme: Cannabis was banned for good reasons and prohibition will wrk. It's a gateway drug that leads to violent crime and heroin use.

Free-Market Analysis: Elections, even hotly contested ones, can have major consequences and the upcoming Canadian federal election is no exception. It may end up with a victory for Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau, and also for cannabis legalization.

Medicinal cannabis is now legal and federally regulated in Canada from coast to coast, but full decriminalization, let alone adult-use legalization, hasn't yet taken place – and legalization seems even farther off.

The Conservative government of Stephen Harper has stood firm against further liberalization. And Canada can expect additional gridlock on the issue if the current administration somehow retains power – even though a majority of Canadians support regulating an adult-use legal marketplace for cannabis.