So, exactly what law did Justin Trudeau break in puffing from a spliff being passed around?

[tuvor]

The common "wisdom" is that he broke the law while an MP by inhaling from a joint making the rounds, but unless there's a very broad definition of the term "possession" I can't seem to find out what that law is.

Am I missing something, or are some merely making unfounded assumptions about marijuana laws in Canada?

TIA.

[Joe Shlabotnik]

1. I think its a nontroversy.

The Libs are angling for some media hype, and manufactured street-cred among the youth vote with this stunt. Its a win-win since its not really illegal, or even controversial, so no matter what Harper says he ends up looking stuffy and out of touch.

[JBoy]

2. "Possession"with respect to pot is as defined in the Criminal Code, section 4(3)

It has to be in his physical possession, and it doesn't have to be "his" pot. If someone passed him a joint, they would both be in possession.

http://yourlaws.ca/criminal-code-canada/4-3-possession

4. (3) Possession

(3) For the purposes of this Act,

(a) a person has anything in possession when he has it in his personal possession or knowingly

(i) has it in the actual possession or custody of another person, or

(ii) has it in any place, whether or not that place belongs to or is occupied by him, for the use or benefit of himself or of another person; and

(b) where one of two or more persons, with the knowledge and consent of the rest, has anything in his custody or possession, it shall be deemed to be in the custody and possession of each and all of them.

[tuvor]

3. Thanks, JBoy! n/t