Marijuana Legalization: Controversial Issue in Canada Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Canada became the second country in the world to legalize the cultivation and consumption of cannabis in 2018. It was a highly controversial decision, which sparked heated debates. Both proponents and opponents of the legalization offer sound arguments supported by extensive research. It is evident that each side has considerable and compelling evidence to strengthen its own position, and it makes the discussion even more intense. Nevertheless, more and more individuals state that the legalization of marijuana has more benefits than drawbacks. Undoubtedly, this perspective is worth more consideration, as the advantages of the decriminalization of cannabis are evident.

On the one hand, legalizing marijuana can lead to a multitude of adverse consequences. For example, according to Lake et al. (2019), the increase in cardiovascular problems is associated with cannabis legalization. It is a harmful substance, which negatively affects the brain, lungs, and heart and causes different health issues. Furthermore, Fischer et al. (2019) note that car accidents involving injuries or fatalities are likely to occur more often if the drug is legalized. Many people can drive under cannabis being less attentive and concentrated. Besides, the substance is addictive, and it is challenging to stop consuming it. In general, the arguments against marijuana legalization are powerful, although there is another position to consider.

On the other hand, the decriminalization of cannabis can lead to a number of positive outcomes. For instance, Hajizadeh (2016) state, “Legalizing marijuana provides an important advantage over prohibition because it allows for the government to collect taxes from the legalized drug” (p.454). Undoubtedly, it is beneficial for the economy and creates numerous new jobs. Moreover, Lake et al. (2019) emphasize that drug legalization is associated with a significant reduction in opioid use. Even though marijuana has negative health consequences, they are less adverse than other legal and illegal drugs in use. Finally, it is irrational to ban the substance while alcohol and tobacco are legalized. The government should not prevent adults from consuming the drug, which is relatively harmless. Therefore, the legalization of cannabis is a reasonable decision causing many positive results within society.

In addition, it is essential to evaluate both positions critically before making any conclusion. The presented evidence is reliable, as it is retrieved from credible sources, written by true experts in their fields, and employs much research information. However, it is evident that the proponents of cannabis legalization have more powerful arguments. First, most studies support their perspective due to empirical data gathered throughout recent years. Second, Fischer et al. (2019) note, “While it continues to be controversially discussed, primary objectives of the cannabis legalization as a major policy reform include the protection of public health and safety in Canada” (p.419). The Canadian government made this decision concluding that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Third, making cannabis legal is likely to cause positive health outcomes, ranging from treating different illnesses to reducing unsafe drug consumption. Therefore, the decriminalization of the drug is the right step producing many benefits.

In conclusion, marijuana legalization is a highly controversial issue, as its proponents and opponents have potent arguments to defend their positions. The former argue about positive health effects, economic benefits, and freedom. The latter emphasizes adverse health effects, car accidents, and addiction. Undoubtedly, the arguments for legalizing marijuana are more powerful and worth deeper consideration. Nevertheless, every person chooses whether to consume cannabis or not, regardless of whether it is legal or illegal.

References

Fischer, B., Russell, C., Rehm, J., & Leece, P. (2019). Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England), 41(2), 412–421. Web.

Hajizadeh, M. (2016). Legalizing and regulating marijuana in Canada: Review of potential economic, social, and health impacts. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 5(8), 453–456. Web.

Lake, S., Kerr, T., Werb, D., Haines-Saah, R., Fischer, B., Thomas, G., Walsh, Z., Ware, M. A., Wood, E., & Milloy, M. J. (2019). Guidelines for public health and safety metrics to evaluate the potential harms and benefits of cannabis regulation in Canada. Drug and Alcohol Review, 38(6), 606–621. Web.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2022, September 8). Marijuana Legalization: Controversial Issue in Canada. https://ivypanda.com/essays/marijuana-legalization-controversial-issue-in-canada/

Work Cited

"Marijuana Legalization: Controversial Issue in Canada." IvyPanda, 8 Sept. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/marijuana-legalization-controversial-issue-in-canada/.

References

IvyPanda. (2022) 'Marijuana Legalization: Controversial Issue in Canada'. 8 September.

References

IvyPanda. 2022. "Marijuana Legalization: Controversial Issue in Canada." September 8, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/marijuana-legalization-controversial-issue-in-canada/.

1. IvyPanda. "Marijuana Legalization: Controversial Issue in Canada." September 8, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/marijuana-legalization-controversial-issue-in-canada/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Marijuana Legalization: Controversial Issue in Canada." September 8, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/marijuana-legalization-controversial-issue-in-canada/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1