The Legalization of Marijuana in Canada: Effects and Considerations
Recently, there has been a heated debate and growing momentum surrounding the legalization of marijuana in Canada. On June 18, 2018, marijuana was officially legalized in the country. However, questions and concerns abound regarding the implications of this transformation. Will legalization bring positive changes, or will it exacerbate existing issues?
Government Control and Business Monopoly
One of the most significant changes brought about by legalization is the complete control of the government over the cannabis market. Unlike previous measures that decriminalized possession, this move has led to a situation where possessing cheaper and better-quality illegal cannabis now carries worse legal consequences than before. This has raised questions about the rationale behind the government's decision to monopolize the market, especially in light of corporate greed.
Some advocate for decriminalization instead, suggesting that private individuals or small-scale businesses would have done a better job in regulating the market. Decriminalization would allow for healthier competition, higher quality, and greater pride in the product. In contrast, under government monopoly, there's a risk that the quality and safety of the product may be compromised due to the profit-driven motives of large corporations.
Shift in Social and Personal Perspectives
The legalization of marijuana has sparked a broader cultural and social change. As people start to question the authority of seemingly "superior entities" and the rationale behind certain policies, they are finding their voices and thinking for themselves. This shift to independent thinking is a step away from the collective mindset of being a "sheeple," instead empowering individuals to make their own choices based on informed decisions.
However, not everyone sees this as a positive change. Some argue that certain groups are more vulnerable to the negative effects of marijuana, particularly in terms of mental health and addiction. For instance, young adults and teenagers can be negatively impacted, with one individual citing their severe anxiety as a result of experimenting with marijuana. The fear of being drugged by others is also a significant concern, especially for those who are already dealing with a lot of stress.
Market Impact and Realities of Legalization
While the media often cites the official reasons for legalization, such as keeping it out of the hands of children, putting pressure on traffickers, and easing the burden on the justice system, some experts suggest that the real motivation lies in the potential for revenue through taxation. This is not dissimilar to the reasoning behind the legalization of alcohol and tobacco, where the government can benefit from taxes and fees imposed on these products.
Despite the government's efforts to control the market, many individuals in Western Canada have noticed no significant change on "opening day." While there was an initial increase in activity due to the removal of legal barriers, the overall cannabis consumption habits remained largely unchanged. The focus on safety and quality seems to be the main positive aspect of legalization, as individuals will no longer face police harassment for public smoking. Dispensaries were indeed busy initially, but this was not particularly surprising given the novelty of the situation.
It is important to acknowledge that the true impact of legalization will take time to be fully realized. Some experts predict that the average IQ levels of our local prisons will drop significantly in the next five years, which could be an indicator of the broader societal effects of increased access to a potentially mind-affecting substance.
In conclusion, the recent legalization of marijuana in Canada is a complex issue with both potential benefits and drawbacks. As with any major policy change, it is essential to monitor and evaluate its impact over time. The true measure of success will be determined by how well the market is regulated, the quality of the products available, and the overall health and safety of the community.