Jean Chretien calls for decriminalization of marijuana possession

Former prime minister Jean Chretien says it’s time for Canada to decriminalize marijuana possession, saying the change is long overdue.

Chretien made the comment today after taking part in a ceremony to mark the official opening of a public policy think-tank at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

The former prime minister says it is unacceptable for anyone to be saddled with a criminal record for simply smoking marijuana.

When Chretien was prime minister, his government tried in 2003 to pass a law decriminalizing simple possession of small amounts of marijuana, but the bill died when Parliament was prorogued.