Marijuana in Canada - Essay Example

Marijuana in Canada Canada is one of the nations of the world regarded as having liberal policies. In Canada, it is a criminal offence to possess or cultivate marijuana and this is the reason the government has not taken action to legalize the drug. The only time the drug is legal is when it is for the purpose of medical use and requires a prescription from a medical doctor to treat nausea from cancer and seizures from epilepsy. The fight against marijuana has been there for a long time and seems to be a tough battle. Some health organizations are asking the drug to be legalized and sold as a commodity that can be taxed just like alcohol in regulated outlets. Marijuana should be legalized due to the health benefits it possesses if used properly. However, it should be regulated and stringent measures be enforced towards individuals who misuse the drug. Canada has one of the highest rates of marijuana use in the world. According to research conducted by Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring, sixty six percent of respondents across the country supported the legalization of the drug. Eighteen percent wanted the laws to remain the same while sixteen percent wanted tough penalties. Moreover, a survey conducted in 2007, shows that over half of the young citizens of Canada can get marijuana in less than ten minutes. 8.2 percent of the youth consume the drug daily and seventeen percent of people aged between fifteen to sixty four years use marijuana daily for recreational purposes (Grayson, 18). Canada has criminal laws that govern the production and possession of Marijuana through the Controlled Drugs and substance act (CDSA). Individuals’ who use marijuana for recreational purposes either buy it in the black market or grow it themselves. Legalization of marijuana involves the removal of all legal prohibitions against the drug usage. This would mean that the drug would be available to the adult population for purchase and usage. On the other hand, decriminalization is the removal of criminal sanctions against an act or behavior. This means that it is still illegal to possess the drug but individuals’ would not face the courts for possession of a specified amount without committing criminal offence. Decriminalization approach can reduce some adverse effects of criminalization. The removal of criminal penalties for the possession of marijuana will result in the reduction of the number of people caught up in the criminal justice system as well as the cost of enforcement. In addition, decriminalization may influence the production and distribution of marijuana without giving the authorities additional regulatory tools. Different cultures have used the drug for therapeutic purposes for many years (Scott, 33). This includes the treatment of cancer by increasing the success rate while reducing the treatment time and helping patients reduce the pain according to scientific discoveries. However, it is not safe for children and if legalized children will be addicted to it at an early age and this might cause serious health problems. Moreover, the risk of engaging in risky behaviors is high among the youth. In addition, there are concerns about individuals’ brain development this includes the acute and chronic health effects associated with the drug use. Frequent use of the drug is unhealthy and may make an individual lose everything they have invested in for example careers and family. Additionally, marijuana users suffer mental problems more than non-users. Female users suffer mental health twice compared to the male. The most common health issues are anxiety, impatience, confusion, and sadness. The use of marijuana is known to negatively affect memory and attention span. Just like under the influence of alcohol, frequent use of marijuana may reduce motivation, learning performance, work, or study. Eventually, students may drop out of school and lead a horrible life. People who work may not be able to be productive and the results of their work may be poor. The use of marijuana may also lead to crime as people who use the drug may commit criminal acts. Moreover, about 90% of marijuana users develop dependence and they have difficulties in quitting or cutting down on the drug usage. Long-term users have high risks of dependence compared to occasional users. Individuals who stop suddenly may experience mild withdrawal signs like loss of appetite and disturbed sleep (Earleywine, 19). In order to mitigate potential risks, the public health can come up with strategies that will help reduce the drug usage. For example, educating the youth on the prevention measures aimed at controlling the use of the drug. This is important, as most people especially the youth are not aware that the consumption of marijuana may affect driving ability. To have regulatory framework and reasonable restrictions on areas where individuals can purchase and consume marijuana is important. Strategies should be put in place to prevent early use among the adolescence. The enforcement of policies and laws to control marijuana use and the distribution of the drug is necessary (Earleywine, 23). In addition, the drug usage reduces the well-being of people in communities as they sell everything they have so that they are able to purchase the drug. The burden of having arrest records may disrupt individuals’ legitimate careers as well as disrupt job prospects. The fines can also be significant and expensive and can cause negative effects to the users as well as their families. Awareness of the effects of marijuana use is generally low in Canada. Most youths emphasize that marijuana has the ability to help them focus; stay relaxed as well as reduce violent behavior. They also believe that it possesses some chemicals that could prevent cancer and the drug made individuals become better drivers as the drug increase their focus. The youth in Canada are influenced by the powerful marketing adverts and capacities of the tobacco and alcohol industries and their focus on the youth. In addition, their peers most often introduce them to marijuana. Most use the drug out of curiosity and those who continue do so to feel good, relax, and enjoy music. Those who do not continue fear the adverse effects of the drug or are not interested. Finally, if marijuana is to be legalized in Canada, tougher penalties and sentences should be put in place for those operating outside the system, especially those attempting to sell the drug to minors and those who would try to sell the drug to other countries for cash, weapons or other drugs. In addition, new strict regulations should be put in place to control the use of the drug. Moreover, the police should be provided with effective tools that will help detect citizens who use the drugs in the wrong way. The tools should be able to detect motorists under the influence of marijuana. In conclusion, marijuana use is risky and some individuals are vulnerable. However, prohibiting it does not mean prevention of the drug use. Legalizing and strictly controlling marijuana provides more control compared to the risks associated with marijuana related harm. Moreover, legalizing will lead to less contact with illegal drug dealers and reduction of crimes. Consumers will be able to access safe products that they have chosen to consume. There will be increased access to available treatment as well as the provision of revenues to the government. The economy of the country would grow from the sale of marijuana. Works Cited Earleywine, Mitchell. Pot Politics: Marijuana and the Costs of Prohibition. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2007. Print. Grayson, Kyle. Chasing Dragons Security, Identity, and Illicit Drugs in Canada. Toronto: U of Toronto, 2008. Print. Scott, Emilee Mooney. Marijuana Decriminalization. Hartford: Connecticut General Assembly, Office of Legislative Research, 2010. Print Earleywine, Mitchell. Pot Politics: Marijuana and the Costs of Prohibition. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2007. Print. Read More