Canada, Marijuana

The View From Up North: Pot Purchases Are Tax Deductible Says Canada Revenue Agency

Before you go calling your dealer for receipts, there are some conditions...

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Okay, so we’re not Colorado. But, Canada is somewhat closing the marijuana gap that exists between the Centennial State and us. Don’t get too high — marijuana is still illegal throughout Canada. Attitudes are changing, however, including with the government. The Canada Revenue Agency recently confirmed marijuana users can take a tax deduction for their marijuana expenses.

Now, before you go calling your dealer for receipts, there are some conditions: first, you must have a valid marijuana prescription from a real doctor, not just some stoner called “Doc.” Second, you have to purchase your weed from a licensed medical marijuana dispenser.

I suspect, dear readers, those conditions do not apply to most of you and, thus, sadly you’ll have to continue using after-tax dollars to purchase pot.

But, as I mentioned, CRA’s confirmation does reflect changing Canadian attitudes. A recent poll shows two-thirds of Canadians believe Canada should relax its marijuana laws. A full third of respondents think we should regulate and tax weed use. Another third of respondents say we should simply decriminalize the use and possession of small amounts of pot. Add them together and it makes a sizable majority of Canadians who believe it’s time to revise the current laws.

With a federal election approaching, I think it’s appropriate to delve into the political party positions regarding marijuana.

First, the ruling Conservative Party. With his eighth martini in hand (stirred, not shaken), Prime Minister Harper was recently overhead condemning the evils of marijuana use to his equally drunk acolytes. Just kidding, I made that up to highlight the irony of how “conservative” people will suck back a quart of rye at a classy house party, but think reefer madness will somehow take down this great country of ours. In any event, no surprise, the Conservative Party is against decriminalizing weed.

The wannabe rulers, the Liberals, support the legalization and regulation of marijuana.

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The wannabe wannabe rulers, the New Democratic Party, support the decriminalization of marijuana.

The Green Party, the Libertarians, and the Bloc Québécois all support some form of decriminalization.

There is one final party to discuss. I’ll let you decide what it supports. It’s with glee I ask, did you know there exists the Marijuana Party of Canada? I had no idea until I started researching this post.

Wikipedia reports it’s a “decentralized” party that has no charter, bylaws, or constitution. Its local district associations are autonomous. In other words, the Marijuana Party of Canada has no rules and is completely disorganized. Didn’t see that coming.

In 2000, it ran 73 candidates in the federal election. In 2004, it ran 71 candidates. In 2006, 23. In 2008, eight. In 2011, five. I hate to say it, but the party appears to be nodding off right in front of our eyes. “Smoke a blunt or run for Parliament, smoke a blunt, run for Parliament… hmmmm, tough choice.” I don’t want to sound like your dad, but to all Marijuana Party supporters, if you want to make change in this wonderful country, you gotta get off the couch. Just sayin’…

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On the other hand, I hear their meetings (when they happen) are stocked with incredible buffets filled with only the freshest Cheetos, Combos, and eight different types of potato chips.

That’s the View From Up North. Have a relaxing week.

Steve Dykstra is a Canadian-trained lawyer and legal recruiter. He is the President of Steven Dykstra Law Professional Corporation, a boutique corporate/commercial law firm located in the greater Toronto area. You can contact Steve at steve@stevendykstralaw.ca. You can also read his blog at stevendykstra.wordpress.com, follow him on Twitter (@Law_Think), or connect on LinkedIn (ca.linkedin.com/in/stevedykstra/).

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