Ron Marzel Explained

Ron Marzel is a Canadian lawyer from Toronto.[1] His specialty is opposing Canada's cannabis laws.[2] He also represents landlords.[3] In 2008, he represented Dispensing With Care, a coalition that was opposing restrictions on the Ontario Drug Benefits Plan.[4] Alan Young, another Toronto-based lawyer, advised Marzel in this case.[5] In 2010, he was the defence lawyer for Neev Tapiero, a member of Cannabis As Living Medicine (CALM).[6] The case had been initiated by a police raid on CALM's headquarters, which Marzel called "a totally inappropriate response to an organization that is seeking legitimization to help sick people."[7] In a Facebook post, Marzel promised to seek court "condemnation" on the police raid and voiced his opposition to the "dysfunctional medical marijuana program" run by Health Canada.[8] In Bedford v. Canada, Marzel sought to have Canada's anti-prostitution laws declared unconstitutional, saying that "there are consenting adults who want to go into" prostitution. Natasha Falle, a former prostitute, was angered by this statement, responding that 97% of prostitutes are not engaging in prostitution by choice, and that "the voices of the overwhelming majority of women who want to get out of prostitution are being drowned out by a vocal few."[9] In 2013, Marzel served as the defence lawyer for Maxim Popovitch, a medical cannabis seller and grower.[10]

Notes and References

  1. News: Leader-Post. Decision provides options. January 12, 2008. July 25, 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160324104826/http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/story.html?id=5528caa8-5d9c-43f2-8dc1-077254c73415. March 24, 2016.
  2. News: The Globe and Mail. 'Compassion club' providing medicinal marijuana shut down by police. Anthony Reinhart. April 5, 2010. July 25, 2013.
  3. News: Toronto Star. Tenants from hell. Amy Brown-Bowers. October 20, 2007. July 25, 2013.
  4. News: Toronto Star. Drug move endangers seniors, lawyer says. Linda Diebel. July 30, 2008. July 25, 2013.
  5. News: Toronto Star. Druggist takes on province. Linda Diebel. March 20, 2008. July 25, 2013.
  6. News: CBC News. Pot club charges dropped against volunteers. May 3, 2010. July 25, 2013.
  7. News: Toronto Star. Nine charged after marijuana compassion club raided. Jennifer Yang. April 3, 2010. July 25, 2013.
  8. News: Toronto Sun. Pot clinic owner on bail, plans to reopen. Ian Robertson. August 6, 2010. July 25, 2013.
  9. News: CTV News. Federal government to appeal prostitution ruling. September 29, 2010. July 16, 2013.
  10. News: Guelph Mercury. Sentencing of purported medical marijuana supplier delayed by Guelph judge. July 19, 2013. July 25, 2013.