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Proponents of legalization argue that the consequences of a marijuana possession conviction can play havoc with an individual’s life, including gaining employment and travelling across the border into the U.S. That’s unpleasant, but these are adults who knew they were breaking the law. They should face the consequences and be held responsible for their behaviour.

When asked about the possibility of pardons, Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould remained vague, but dropped one hint that would suggest she may be considering it. “We will certainly look to have more to say about how we’re going to move forward. But that includes actually having conversations . . . with different levels of government and ensuring we speak to Canadians who have been impacted.”

Canadians “who have been impacted” will no doubt speak up with one voice demanding amnesty. They should not receive it. They knew that marijuana possession was illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada, but they chose to ignore that.

A good precedent for handling a change in the law was set with the faint-hope clause, which allowed prisoners with life sentences to apply for parole after 15 years behind bars, 10 years ahead of schedule. That clause was repealed in 2011, but those who had been imprisoned before then are still eligible to apply, even though the clause no longer exists. Anyone sentenced to life after the repeal is not eligible. What was in force previously stayed in force when the law changed.

The federal government should not relegate existing marijuana convictions to simply going up in smoke.