Over the last few days, federal members of parliament have been busy debating the pros and cons of Bill C-45, or the Cannabis Act, during a second reading in the House of Commons.

As expected, there has been much emphasis on the tired and repetitive rhetoric of ‘keeping cannabis out of the hands of children.’

But nothing seems to tick off members with this concern as much the four-plant rule, which will allow Canadians to grow up to four cannabis plants in their homes.

Conservative politicians have been having a field day with the proposition, predicting that children whose parents grow marijuana will either become poisoned by eating the plant (laughable) or that they’ll become ‘drug mules’.

Unfortunately, many of the politicians debating this bill have proven by their statements that they don’t have a fucking clue about cannabis.

Yesterday’s comments from Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu were particularly telling of just how completely unaware Canadian politicians are about who cannabis users are, what they might use it for, and especially, how they use it.

The evening session began with a move from Liberal MP Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, to limit the remaining amount of time for consideration at the second reading stage. She suggested that not more than five additional hours be allotted for discussion.

At this point, the bill had been discussed in the House of Commons for periods of time on May 30, June 1, June 2, and June 6.

Members from opposing parties were quick to jump on the Liberal government for trying to ‘force [the bill] through’, as NDP MP Alistair MacGregor said.