The use of illegal Marijuana in Canada has been the subject of discussion in the twenty first century. Canada is among the leading nations in the percentage use of illegal marijuana as stated in the World Drug Report of the year 2007. The same studies indicate that the report of the united nations illustrates that 16.8% of the Canadians aged between sixteen and sixty four years either smoked or took some derivatives of marijuana in the year 2006.
Although some reports indicate that the percentage use of marijuana may have decreased, research conducted by United Nations on Ontario students indicate that the trend is actually on the increase[1]. With that background in mind, this paper shall discuss some of the reasons behind the high usage rate as well as ways that can be used to reduce illegal usage of the drug in the country.
There are many reasons that may have contributed to the high percentage use of Marijuana in Canada but high production of the drug in the country contributes greatly to the same. In reference to the production of cannabis which is used to make marijuana, Canada ranks third after North America and United States.
Some areas such as British Columbia specialize in the illegal production of the drug. Further studies illustrate that the British Columbia specializes heavily not only in the production, but also in the sale of Cannabis and marijuana. Therefore, due to the high production, there is increased availability of the drug in the country. As a result, accessibility of the drug to the public is not a major problem.
As much as illegal use of Marijuana is prohibited in Canada, there are still some laws that influence increased usage of the drug. Research indicates that the prosecution of people found in possession of marijuana is usually dependent on the amount. For instance, people found in possession of less than fifteen grams may only get a criminal record or a fine of a certain amount of money.
However, it is important to note that marijuana use in Canada is still illegal although people found in small possessions may not be taken to a court of law. However, most of the citizens and the organized gangs make use of such laws to propagate their illegal activities thus the reason why there is increased illegal usage[2].
There are a number of measures which can be taken to reduce illegal usage marijuana. Although the police and the criminal justice have been involved in the war against drugs, little has been achieved from their efforts. It is important to come up with other strategies which can help in the same. As studies of Martin[3] indicate, the government can establish laws that can prevent people found in possession of less than thirty grams from being taken to court.
Such a measure can be of help since the domestic market can be destroyed and that may affect the business of the organized gangs. In addition, some preventive programs targeting the young people should be set up. The money that was initially being used for prosecuting people can be used to fund such preventive programs. By so doing, it can be possible to curb the illegal use of marijuana.
Apart from the presence of the organized gangs in Canada, research has indicated that increased production of marijuana as well as controversies over decriminization of marijuana and other drugs laws contribute greatly to the increased usage of the same.
It is important to come up with measures that can destabilize the business of the organized gangs with an aim of reducing the usage of the drug. Lastly, research conducted has indicated that preventive programs as well as education to the youth can be effectively used to mitigate the problem.
Bibliography
Blackandred. Canada Leads World in Marijuana Use. 2010. Web.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. About Marijuana. 2010. Web.
Martin, Keith. Decriminalize pot, destabilize gangs. 2009. Web.
Footnotes
- Blackandred. Canada Leads World in Marijuana Use. 2010.
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. About Marijuana. 2010.
- Martin, Keith. Decriminalize pot, destabilize gangs . 2009.