Essay on Demerits and Benefits of Legalizing Cannabis in Canada

This essay delves into the contentious issue of legalizing cannabis (marijuana) in Canada, presenting a balanced analysis of its potential demerits and benefits. The introduction sets the stage by defining cannabis and highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding its legalization. The discussion section explores the advantages, such as increased government revenue and the potential medicinal value of cannabis in treating various diseases like epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, inflammation, and certain cancers. It also considers the possibility of reduced gang-related drug violence. Conversely, the essay examines the disadvantages, including the potential for increased rates of lung-related diseases and the argument that marijuana can act as a gateway drug to harder substances. The conclusion summarizes the arguments, suggesting that the numerous cons outweigh the pros, and recommends exploring alternative solutions for meeting population needs. The essay cites several research studies and articles to support its claims, providing a well-rounded perspective on the topic.

RUNNING HEAD:DEMERITS AND BENEFITS OF LEGALIZING CANNABIS(MARIJUANA) IN CANADA 1
Demerits and benefits of legalizing cannabis (Marijuana) in Canada
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DEMERITS AND BENEFITS OF LEGALIZING CANNABIS (MARIJUANA) IN CANADA 2
INTRODUCTION
Cannabis is an active element from the cannabis sativa plant. It grows in the tropical
climate though it can survive in any climate. There is continued debate as to whether cannabis
should be legalized or not in Canada (Petti & Calvin Chatlos, 2017). Some countries like
Australia and Germany have already legalized cannabis and it has been associated with both
demerits and benefits. Within the framework of this essay, there will be an analysis of the
demerits and benefits of legalizing cannabis (Marijuana) in Canada.
DISCUSSION
Benefits
Legalizing cannabis in Canada would increase revenue. According to a study conducted
in 2015 by Caulkins, Kilmer and Kleiman in Colorado in the United States of America, sales of
cannabis yielded $996 million (Caulkins, Kilmer, & Kleiman, 2016). If this is also implemented
in Canada, the revenue collected from the sales of cannabis would generally boost the economy
of the country. Cannabis should be legalized in Canada so that it can improve the economy of the
country through the significant revenue/profits collected.
Cannabis has a medicinal value. Scientists have conducted different studies and
established that legalizing cannabis would provide a medical solution to different diseases that
have been difficult to treat for quite some time. According to trials conducted by Hall and
Lynskey, cannabis has shown to treat diseases like epilepsy, Crohn’s, disease inflammation and
some forms of cancer (Hall & Lynskey, 2016). Since majority of this diseases have contributed
to high mortality rates in Canada, legalizing cannabis would provide a long term solution.
Legalizing cannabis would reduce gang related drug violence. Research indicate that
majority of drug violence is due to sales of cannabis. Some scientist’s state that violence arise
due to disagreements in sharing profits. Research indicate that in some countries where cannabis
has been legalized, the rates of drug violence especially in urban centers has reduced
considerably. Violence leads to death and the Canadian government should therefore legalize
marijuana to reduce such vices.
Demerits
Increased rates of lung related diseases. Scientists argue that smoke from marijuana lasts
for some time in the lungs. This in turn exposes the user to different lung related conditions like
lung cancer. According to a study conducted in Germany in 2016, legalizing of cannabis was
associated with an increase in lung cancer form 12% to 28% (Caulkins & Kilmer, 2016).This is
also likely to be replicated in Canada incase cannabis is legalized.
Marijuana is a gateway drug. Scientists argue that excessive use of marijuana can be used
as a bridge to other harder drugs like cocaine and heroin. A move to legalize marijuana would
therefore lead to more users of the drug who would later get addicted to the harder drugs
mentioned and this would cause financial strain to the health system.

DEMERITS AND BENEFITS OF LEGALIZING CANNABIS (MARIJUANA) IN CANADA 3
CONCLUSION
Legalization of marijuana is not a good move in Canada. This is due to the numerous
cons as explained above. The country should therefore review their decision and come up with
an alternative ways to meet the needs of the population such as treating some of the mentioned
diseases like epilepsy and cancer rather than legalizing cannabis/marijuana.

DEMERITS AND BENEFITS OF LEGALIZING CANNABIS (MARIJUANA) IN CANADA 4
References
Caulkins, J., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. (2016). Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone
Needs to Know. doi:10.7249/cb525-1
Caulkins, J. P., & Kilmer, B. (2016). Considering marijuana legalization carefully: insights
for other jurisdictions from analysis for Vermont. Addiction, 111(12), 2082-2089.
doi:10.1111/add.13289
Hall, W., & Lynskey, M. (2016). Why it is probably too soon to assess the public health
effects of legalisation of recreational cannabis use in the USA. The Lancet
Psychiatry, 3(9), 900-906. doi:10.1016/s2215-0366(16)30071-2
Petti, T. A., & Calvin Chatlos, J. (2017). 2.1 Perspectives on Marijuana Legalization:
National and New Jersey Status. Journal of the American Academy of Child &
Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(10), S3. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2017.07.013