So today the concourt decided that it is no longer a criminal offense to use dagga, so long as you are not doing it in a public space and you are an adult.
The burning question for me, is, how does that affect my existing conviction if I was charged with possession? I'm sure many others are wondering but I have not heard anyone talking about it. A few years ago, I was playing Pokémon Go in the car. It was when the whole Pokémon Go craze happened. I was on my way to college, and decided to catch a few Pokémon on the way. Innocent enough, until the fuzz decided this was suspicious behavior and asked to search my vehicle. I didn't want to be late to college, and I was under the impression that I had nothing on me, so I obliged and let them do their thing. It was a nasty surprise when they found a section of skunk that I had thought I had lost, I was detained for most of the day and strongarmed into signing AOG because they had convinced me that was the only way I was getting out of the cell. (I did not know my rights quite so well back then)
Another time, I was procuring some fine Swazi from a local dealer, who just so happens to be quite well known to the local police. Usually, it's not a big deal to buy there, but as misfortune would have it I crossed their path one day and they stopped me, and upon questioning me as to why I was in the area all I managed was a flimsy "Oh I was visiting a friend.." they then managed to twist my arm into revealing my stash, threatening to call the Metros with their dogs and like a dumbass I didn't call their bluff.(I know, bad stoner. may I shouldn't be smoking after all)
In any case, while the how doesn't really matter, I just wanted to perhaps entertain those who decide to read with my stories in hopes that someone will share their story.
It would make life a helluva lot easier if these convictions were simply erased, but I can't help but feel that it might not be so simple and I'll still be stuck with them for a while, the next few years atleast until all the details are ironed out. But really, if the ConCourt has ruled that it is legal for personal use, these possession charges should fall away? I was not in public space, and even if I was, ganja on my person can be considered to be within my private domain?
My only problem now is that I still can't use it due to company policy :/ I wonder how that will be affected as well, since my company conducts urine testing with a zero tolerance policy. Obviously any positive result has to be lab tested, but seriously, since MJ stays in your urine for up to 90 days then it can't really be constitutional if you get fired for a spliff you smoked 2 weeks ago while you were on leave, or even if you use it recreationally over the weekend? I haven't smoked in nearly a year, and won't do so due to my bad luck, I'll probably get tested the day after I smoke it up. It's been good for me to stop but some days I'd really like a puff or 2.