Should Canada Take Advice From Bolivia on Leaving UN Drug Treaties?

Approximately six years ago, the country of Bolivia withdrew from a major UN drug control treaty in order to legalize the coca leaf in their country. Once the legalization had occurred, they rejoined the same treaty with the newly legalized leaf as an exception.

The controversial decision drew criticism from the international community. Still, Bolivia maintained that their actions were purely cultural, as chewing coca leaves is an ancient practice among their indigenous population.

Now, in 2017, Canada faces a similar challenge with the upcoming legalization of adult-use marijuana. The Great White North is party to the same UN agreements, and Canada’s federal government has been tight-lipped about how they plan to address the conflict.

Is it possible that Canada will tear a page from Bolivia’s drug policy handbook?

“Sovereign countries are allowed to withdraw from international legal obligations that they have previously committed to. In this case, the UN drug control treaties do allow countries to withdraw if they give notice to the UN Secretary General,” said Steven Hoffman, a University of Ottawa Law Professor who specializes in international law, in an…