In 2012, the Harper Government imposed mandatory minimums for even small marijuana grow-ops, and those with prior drug convictions, which reflects the increasing severity of drug charges in Court. Even without mandatory minimums, Courts treat marijuana charges, cocaine charges and heroin charges seriously and are asked by prosecutors to impose jail terms upon conviction.

There are other implications arising from a marijuana possession charge or cocaine possession conviction. These might include difficulties with security clearances from your work and problems crossing into the United States.