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Introduction One option available to drug policy makers is the removal of incarceration as a sentencing option for cannabis offenders. In the instance of cannabis, perhaps more debate has been devoted to the question of whether or not simple possession of cannabis should be treated severely, for example with possible or probable jail terms, or more leniently, in the case of treating cannabis possession as a ticketable offence, which largely consists of leveling a small …

…might be seen to have been reduced for those being charged with a marijuana possession offence, reducing the likelihood of unintended consequences of being charged with a marijuana possession offence. However, for the most part, the data that would show a more complete picture of the effects of decriminalization have not been forthcoming, and without newer cases of jurisdictions that have recently decriminalized, coupled with adequate data, only generalities may be made of the effects.