Marijuana Party (Canada)

The Marijuana Party was a federal political party in Canada advocating for the legalization, regulation, and taxation of cannabis. Founded in 2000 by Marc-Boris St-Maurice, the party aimed to bring attention to cannabis policy reform and provide a political voice for cannabis users and advocates.

The party's platform centered on ending cannabis prohibition, arguing that legalization would generate tax revenue, reduce crime associated with the black market, and allow for greater consumer safety through regulation. They also advocated for the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Beyond cannabis reform, the party often voiced support for other civil liberties and progressive social policies.

The Marijuana Party fielded candidates in multiple federal elections, although they never won a seat in the House of Commons. Their best results were typically in urban areas with a higher concentration of cannabis users. Despite not achieving electoral success, the party played a role in raising awareness about cannabis policy and contributing to the broader public discussion on the issue.

Following the legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, the Marijuana Party faced challenges in maintaining its relevance. In 2020, the party's registration was revoked by Elections Canada due to failing to meet the minimum candidate threshold in the previous two federal elections. This effectively dissolved the federal party. While the federal party no longer exists, provincial level parties with similar names and goals may still operate in some provinces.