Even though it's not my thread, I think this is how what Egzoset is saying could be demonstrated (not proven as a generality though).
Compare two very similar countries; Canada and the US. Take note of average Cannabis penalties in each country from low to high severity of sentence, considering each state, province and territory. You could repeat this data mining for each type of cannabis offence for more discrete statistics if desired. You'll have two sets of data; one for the US, and one for Canada. You could also repeat this after Cannabis becomes legal on a national basis in Canada. And then compare, etc.
Egzoset; I guess I'm just more optimistic. The Cannabis situation (legally speaking) is infinitely more progressive than when I was a kid, and it is getting better at a rapid rate. The war ain't over yet, but it is winding down.
Tom
What would that demonstrate though? Just that the laws are unjust and hypocritical? I don't disagree, but cannabis laws aren't the only ones that are corrupt.. look into tax laws in the U.S. and you'll probably forget all about cannabis prohibition because you have pants full of shit now.

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