Canada warns its citizens to only buy marijuana with cash

[hatshepsut93]

Source: https://www.mtlblog.com/news/canada/the-government-of-canada-is-now-officially-warning-canadians-to-buy-legal-marijuana-with-cash-to-protect-their-personal-information

In my opinion these are quite interesting news, as we often talk here how all the governments only want to replace cash, because they want to monitor all transactions, but it seems to be more complex than that. Privacy can protect people from criminals and malicious outside actors, and I think the benefits are far more important than some small number of criminals getting away with crimes.

In this light, crypto can find its place in economy as "digital cash", and some governments might officially recognize it.

[1714325272]

1714325272

[The Sceptical Chymist]

In this light, crypto can find its place in economy as "digital cash", and some governments might officially recognize it.

It's an interesting article indeed, but I would imagine that if the US government thought it was important enough, they could figure out who's bought marijuana with crypto.  It might be way more difficult than if the weed was paid for via a credit/debit card, but it's possible. 

I'm not sure why this is such a friggin' big issue for Canadians.  It's not like marijuana has gotten any more criminalized in the United States, and I don't see why they should be denying Canadians entry into the states because of pot purchases.  IMO, in this situation cash is still king as long as there aren't other ways of tracking marijuana purchases that the US gov't can find out about.

But hey, I wasn't even aware that marijuana had been made legal in Canada.  I'm not a smoker myself, but I've always supported people's choice to partake in it if that's their thing.  I think that's excellent progress, and thanks for posting the link.

[hatshepsut93]

It's an interesting article indeed, but I would imagine that if the US government thought it was important enough, they could figure out who's bought marijuana with crypto.  It might be way more difficult than if the weed was paid for via a credit/debit card, but it's possible. 

I'm not sure why this is such a friggin' big issue for Canadians.  It's not like marijuana has gotten any more criminalized in the United States, and I don't see why they should be denying Canadians entry into the states because of pot purchases.  IMO, in this situation cash is still king as long as there aren't other ways of tracking marijuana purchases that the US gov't can find out about.

But hey, I wasn't even aware that marijuana had been made legal in Canada.  I'm not a smoker myself, but I've always supported people's choice to partake in it if that's their thing.  I think that's excellent progress, and thanks for posting the link.

They could do it with some coins, but I doubt that they would be able to break privacy of coins like Monero.

I also don't know the reasons why Americans are banning Canadian pot users from entering the country, my guess is that it is politically motivated. Also they are saying that they are viewing legal pot users as criminals, so maybe they are afraid that those people will try to buy weed in the US.

The progress is painfully slow, but at least it's progress. Many countries in the world seem to be going backwards in time.

[BTCappu]

I wonder, why a governments want protect their citizen's privacy and that too with the reason of dealing with drugs.
Moreover, I suspect about the reliability of this article as it sounds a government work like close friend or colleague lol, a complete news and shocking. I read Justin Trudeau is a good hearted person and welcoming refugees but now it seems he is more friendly for preventing family problems too. lol.

[el kaka22]

we often talk here how all the governments only want to replace cash, because they want to monitor all transactions, but it seems to be more complex than that. Privacy can protect people from criminals and malicious outside actors, and I think the benefits are far more important than some small number of criminals getting away with crimes.

Democratic governments always value their citizen's preferences rather than sticking within policies and may loosen up legal issues slowly where the people push. This is what happening as per that article. It must be one good positive news for the people who concern on protecting their privacy and identity. I am sure, in near future we are going to have another article like a government may ask to use bitcoin to stay anonymous as responsibilities should come by own and not just due to regulations in a matured society.

In this light, crypto can find its place in economy as "digital cash", and some governments might officially recognize it.

Yes, that will happen but not sure how quick it will happen. Developed countries may do it at first (still I wonder why no other governments are not yet following Japan's decision of legalizing bitcoins.) Cryptos will be part of our daily life but government may monitor us by what we are buying and where we are going and whom we are meeting which may be like another family member as that is the only way to collect taxes and to control/monitor criminals and terrorists after leaving off the control over existing financial system.

[davis196]

The Canadian government is weird.
All the other govenments want more and more personal data from their citizens,the Canadian government wants the opposite.Crypto is pseudo anonymous,so cash is still the best way to buy stuff like marijuana.
By the way,is marijuana legal in Canada?

[gudjhonson]

If the government advises its citizens to buy marijuana with cash, it means that crypto will be a good currency, and not tarnished with some kind of money laundering. Many countries whose citizens are prohibited from consuming marijuana, while Canada gives permission.

[charlotte04]

Source: https://www.mtlblog.com/news/canada/the-government-of-canada-is-now-officially-warning-canadians-to-buy-legal-marijuana-with-cash-to-protect-their-personal-information

In my opinion these are quite interesting news, as we often talk here how all the governments only want to replace cash, because they want to monitor all transactions, but it seems to be more complex than that. Privacy can protect people from criminals and malicious outside actors, and I think the benefits are far more important than some small number of criminals getting away with crimes.

In this light, crypto can find its place in economy as "digital cash", and some governments might officially recognize it.

Who wants to wastes their coins to some weed? They could really buy it with cash only and it has nothing wrong with that.

[BTCappu]

Source: https://www.mtlblog.com/news/canada/the-government-of-canada-is-now-officially-warning-canadians-to-buy-legal-marijuana-with-cash-to-protect-their-personal-information

In my opinion these are quite interesting news, as we often talk here how all the governments only want to replace cash, because they want to monitor all transactions, but it seems to be more complex than that. Privacy can protect people from criminals and malicious outside actors, and I think the benefits are far more important than some small number of criminals getting away with crimes.

In this light, crypto can find its place in economy as "digital cash", and some governments might officially recognize it.

Who wants to wastes their coins to some weed? They could really buy it with cash only and it has nothing wrong with that.

You mean coins are more precious than cash ? I understand coins and cash are same at a time taken for comparing (considering the fluctuations of cryptos). I guess you are from a country where buying/obtaining coins is more difficult, right ?

[exstasie]

It's an interesting article indeed, but I would imagine that if the US government thought it was important enough, they could figure out who's bought marijuana with crypto.  It might be way more difficult than if the weed was paid for via a credit/debit card, but it's possible.

That's the thing, I'm sure they don't think it's important enough. It wouldn't be worth the funds to pursue. With the POS payment processing industry being so concentrated and centralized, it's infinitely easier though.

They could do it with some coins, but I doubt that they would be able to break privacy of coins like Monero.

Don't be so sure. It's still an experimental currency that's not well understood by many people. If the NSA wanted to find a hole in XMR, they'd have a lot of resources to throw at it.

[rodalutor]

Source: https://www.mtlblog.com/news/canada/the-government-of-canada-is-now-officially-warning-canadians-to-buy-legal-marijuana-with-cash-to-protect-their-personal-information

In my opinion these are quite interesting news, as we often talk here how all the governments only want to replace cash, because they want to monitor all transactions, but it seems to be more complex than that. Privacy can protect people from criminals and malicious outside actors, and I think the benefits are far more important than some small number of criminals getting away with crimes.

In this light, crypto can find its place in economy as "digital cash", and some governments might officially recognize it.

Who wants to wastes their coins to some weed? They could really buy it with cash only and it has nothing wrong with that.

You mean coins are more precious than cash ? I understand coins and cash are same at a time taken for comparing (considering the fluctuations of cryptos). I guess you are from a country where buying/obtaining coins is more difficult, right ?

It just depends on if you plan to replace those coins or if you even bought them with the intention of spending them. Personally I'd rather pay a slight premium in fiat on smaller transactions than go through the hassle of buying new crypto to replenish that which I've spent.

[StacksCity]

They should implement the rule, that only offline purchase is possible.

[jjjfff]

I wonder, why a governments want protect their citizen's privacy and that too with the reason of dealing with drugs.
Moreover, I suspect about the reliability of this article as it sounds a government work like close friend or colleague lol, a complete news and shocking. I read Justin Trudeau is a good hearted person and welcoming refugees but now it seems he is more friendly for preventing family problems too. lol.

Fully agree with this.

Why would a government entity suddenly feel compelled to protect privacy?

Governments literally fight each other for more access to population's private habits!

[dothebeats]

Considering how many issues have surfaced regarding companies selling private data of their customers, I'm not surprised that Canada has issued a warning to its citizens. Not that the world is still against marijuana or anything, but then again it could be one of the grounds that a citizen might not enter another country's territory or be framed-up for cases involving 'illegal drugs'. Bitcoin and crypto could shine on this particular area and might cause another push on the price should 'potheads' unite and use bitcoin/crypto for their transactions.

[stompix]

Common, you did a bit of clickbait on this

Topic: Canada warns its citizens to only buy marijuana with cash
Linked article:  The Government Of Canada Is Now Officially Warning Canadians To Buy Legal Marijuana With Cash To Protect Their Personal Information
The content of the official guide

If you are concerned about using your credit card, and the option is available, consider using cash to purchase cannabis.

That advice can be given for every purchase, even if you buy ice cream.

I guess most will use cash not because they are scared their personal data might leak but because their wife/husband dad/mom might look at the bank statements.

Fully agree with this.
Why would a government entity suddenly feel compelled to protect privacy?
Governments literally fight each other for more access to population's private habits!

Because once you throw away your tinfoil hat you realize that governments are not evil demons from the underworld but the guys you voted in power and some governments actually do their job.

When governments are not protecting your privacy:  It's an evil plan to rob our data.
When governments are taking active steps to protect our privacy:  It's an evil plan to rob our data.
When the government is not doing anything:  They surely are doing something!

[naidray]

I know in most countries why marijuana purchases can't be made with bitcoin or any other crypto currency. It is mainly because they do not want to make the purchases anon and want to be able to keep track of who buys how much because too much of weed could be considered intend to sell after the purchase.

But, what I do not understand is why do they go with cash which is still quite anon and not with debit/credit cards. If you use debit/credit card it is known that YOU bought it, its right there on the card and on the bank system however when you use cash you are still quite anon and no one knows who bought it. So being "anon" while buying can't be the cause and reason for why they would prefer cash purchases. Even bitcoin could be more out in the open compared to cash where you can literally never tell your name to someone whereas at least they can track your btc wallet. I am not really sure what is the purpose of this.

[Ziskinberg]

That only prove their weak control, they cannot control the people and dictate them to use cash only because in the long run, cash is not going to be convenient anymore. What's the use of crypto if this will not be implemented as a way to solve this problem, I'm sure we are good with anonymity.

[Ucy]

This thing probably makes people vulnerable.  It could be weakening the willpower and opening you up to more brainwashing. If you want to feel high eat fruits and vegetables before meals. Avoid bad foods. Drink hot tea. Take red wine occasionally.

[1Referee]

cash is not going to be convenient anymore.

Cash will always remain convenient as long as there is no solid form of fungibility in either digital fiat payments (which won't ever happen) or crypto currencies. Sure, there is XMR and a couple of other coins active in that field, but they aren't being used to conduct day-to-day payments, so it's rather pointless.

Bitcoin's fungibility is going to get a massive boost with Schnorr and Lightning, and I think that's exactly what people are looking for. They don't want a shitcoin that no one cares about doing X, they want a well known crypto as Bitcoin to be multifunctional and do X Y Z because of its global acceptance. It will take some time, but we'll be there eventually.

As long as nothing beats cash's current main utility as a fungible form of money, people will keep using it.

[coolcoinz]

I wish my government was asking people to be careful buying weed.   Instead they prefer the "don't buy weed! you'll be an addict, lose everything, go to prison, detox, maybe you'll die die, or be a homeless hobo living under a bridge".

As long as nothing beats cash's current main utility as a fungible form of money, people will keep using it.

Of course! I prefer to use cash than electronic payments, simply because everyone accepts it. There are stores with no terminals, or no Internet, but there are no stores that won't take a paper bill. Also, I've come to appreciate cash when dealing with contractors on various properties. Most of them will accept only cash, because you can't expect a plumber or electrician to have a card terminal. Some do, but most don't. My dentist only accepts cash because she doesn't want to pay the fees for card transactions.