Marijuana Legalization In Canada

It is evident that marijuana has an audience in Canada, as it is used so frequently even though it is prohibited. The views of many Canadians on marijuana seems to be a lax one, and legalization is again seen as a great idea for many citizens. As it is illegal, possession has had costly effects on citizens, and how others perceive them. “in Canada, 60 000 people are arrested each year for possession, affecting employment opportunities, social stigma, and the ability to travel across borders” (Leyton 75). Minor drug charges have led to serious problems for many Canadians, and the development of thought has switched to legalization as they problems would disappear. Political culture has had a huge influence on the perception of marijuana, and

With many viewing it as a very bad substance, many see the appeal of it. In the legalized states in the US, marijuana is being consumed regularly. It is seen as a regular and acceptable part of society since its legalization. Although it wasn’t always viewed in this way. “Beginning in the 1960s, the use and abuse of illegal drugs became an important public issue, with fears that illicit drugs were changing social norms regarding race and institutional and parental authority and were contributing to the antiwar movement of rebellious youths and political dissidents.” (Barry 208). Drug users were seen as political enemies and generally bad people in this period, and that continued on throughout the century. During the Reagan administration, as Congress and state legislatures imposed heavy penalties for the possession and distribution of drugs” (Barry 208). Here we see that similar to Canada, users of marijuana, as well as other drugs, were seen by society in a very negative way. Marijuana users were seen as “Potheads” and not valuable members of society. With the current situation, the media has also been helping with the accepting of marijuana use, as celebrities and other famous figures have been seen promoting the drug, with an example being Seth Rogen (Who, funny enough, is Canadian). The United States changed their views on recreational marijuana, and many Americans support the decision to

Although marijuana has some praise in these countries, there are still uncertainties that need to be addressed, including health issues. “Owing to limited funding and study opportunities, marijuana and health professionals and policymakers do not yet know the full scope of the effects of marijuana use” (Hickenlooper, 246). This has been used as an argument against legalization as we should not legalize something that we’re not positive is safe. However, in a situation where the substance is already being used as much as it is, the government might as well make sure the citizens are obtaining safe substances. A counter-argument to the one mentioned above would be that tobacco is legal, yet it has no positive health benefits.

If Canada were to legalize marijuana, they should test the product and make sure that it is safely available for citizens. If something disastrous were to happen to a citizen through marijuana, it will brand a negative image on the current government as well as recreational marijuana. “If cannabis products are legalized, the weight of evidence suggests that they should be controlled: product purity should be tested, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content accurately measured and labelled, and sales restricted to licensed dealers in specific locations” (Leyton