Abstract
Cannabis use, though still somewhat stigmatized in the media, is among one of the fastest growing trends in Canada among youths and adults alike. The evidence I have gathered through statistical analysis and secondary research shows that cannabis has become the recreational drug of choice among Canadians. This is due to a host of factors. One of these factors is a record breaking positive public perception of cannabis among Canadians. The way the public perceives a drug is very important, and for something as taboo as cannabis to be accepted by the public and the media takes time and effort. This struggle to increase the positive perception of cannabis among Canadians has paid off greatly, displayed in national surveys where
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Another factor is the actual use of the drug itself. Cannabis is not only popular in public polls and surveys, but its use is becoming more and more prevalent. Government studies show that cannabis use in Canada leads the world, and has surpassed every other illicit drug combined. Cannabis is not only popular among adults, but youth also. The youth of this nation are its future, and when something like cannabis is widespread among modern teens, its acceptance in current and future societies is almost guaranteed. I saw that not only is cannabis popular among Canadian youths, but that Canada leads the developed world in cannabis use among teens. This shows a growing trend of cannabis use and acceptance among contemporary Canadian society, and in some provinces, it’s more prevalent and accepted than others. With the data that I collected, provided by the government of Canada and various third party institutions, I have come to the conclusion that not only has cannabis become the recreational drug of choice among Canadians (excluding alcohol), but that its popularity is growing every day. Key terms: …show more content…
Sandberg, S. (2011, August 3) The Department of Sociology and Human Geography in Norway did a study on the public perception of marijuana among Norwegians who part take. A study done on 100 cannabis users saw that their perception of the drug was either neutral or positive. Unlike tobacco users or alcoholics, cannabis users don’t see much of a problem with using weed (another slang term for cannabis). They don’t seem to understand that smoking this product can have similar effects on their lungs as cigarettes (though not as destructive). The idea that teens do drugs to rebel against society is actually un-true, the exact opposite is true. When cannabis is talked about so positively in the media and among politicians, it actually makes teenagers think the drug is safe and subconsciously encourages them to do it. Alcohol and cigarettes aren’t looked at so positively in society, and thus the use of these drugs among youths is falling dramatically (yes, even alcohol). They see these drugs as life threatening, manmade chemicals ingested by older folk, while cannabis is seen as this great, all natural remedy to many ailments in life (depression, anxiety, appetite loss, insomnia, etc). Though much of marijuana’s positive attributes are supported by science, there are some misconceptions that leave teens with the wrong ideas about cannabis, such as marijuana has no negative mental effects on the user. This lax approach to the
The role of how marijuana is used in the United States is being reexamined, rethought, and recalibrated, Barcott emphasize throughout his book. The new adjustment in America's relationship with cannabis cannot be measured in just monetary or social terms, “there are more profound movements going ahead here; social realignments, social alterations, and budgetary modifications” Barcott believes. Barcott show marijuana came to be one of the most vilified drugs in the market ever since the war on drugs was announced in the 1980s. However, the author shows how those who were against that movement are now cheerful that the way of that line of thinking is finally coming to a close. “Weed the
Marijuana is a popular and universal drug. It is easily accessible to most people and is the number one illicit drug used in North America. Although the availability and knowledge of this drug is fairly equal for all people in North America, marijuana tends to be more prevalent in teenagers and young adults. Maisto, Galizio, and Conners (2004) reported that "use of marijuana [in young people] was 8.0% among those aged 12-17; 16% among those aged 18-25," as compared to "6.8% among those aged 26-34; and 2.4% among those 35 and older." People of all ages, races, and religions use marijuana and have their own reasons to use it. Young people first try marijuana because of some common reasons. Some teenagers feel pressured by their peers to
In the essay “Marijuana Should Not be Legalized in Canada”, the author’s controlling idea is that marijuana should not legalized in Canada because of health, tax, and societal impacts. To begin with, the author tells us “if store-bought marijuana becomes overtaxed, people will fall back on the already established underground market”. This example discusses how black market will continue existing because of the overtaxed of the marijuana. Moreover, “street marijuana has other drugs mixed into it” so that more people prefer and that will also increase the establish of underground market. Secondly, the author states “marijuana constrain 33 chemicals that are known to cause cancer”. This reinforces the idea that marijuana cause health problems.
The issue of whether or not to legalize marijuana in Canada is not a contemporary one. In fact, the debate surrounding the legalization of marijuana dates back as far as the 1960’s and exists in some frameworks to this day. With such a lengthy history, comes a past of distinct socio-economic and political policies, outlining what “appropriate” marijuana usage should look like. From prohibition to complete legalization, this essay will outline the history surrounding the legalization of marijuana, from its socio-economic and political frameworks, while simultaneously identifying the institutions and actors involved in its development.
Legalizing the use of marijuana has been an ongoing debate since it was first classified as a narcotic in the Narcotic Act in 1970 (Napchan et al, 2011). Once defined as a narcotic, cannabis was made unattainable through a pharmacist, or through prescription by a physician (Napchan et al, 2011). Cannabis, also known as “marijuana”, refers to any preparation of the cannabis plant, most of which are intended for use as a psychoactive substance (Napchan et al, 2011). Marijuana has many benefits in Canada if legalization were to occur. Canada’s economy would benefit greatly from the legalization of marijuana by boosting taxation dollars, as well as creating jobs for many Canadians. Not only would the economy benefit, but communities would benefit
The president of the Canadian Police Association believes Canadians are trying to decriminalize marijuana prematurely. He says supporters of change are overlooking the risks. “We don’t have the tools and the training available to us now to ensure that people aren’t driving cars, for example, or operating machinery, while they’re impaired by Marijuana” he said. “ There are all kinds of implications that I don’t think people are considering carefully enough… Its still a harmful substance ultimately” (Ballingall)
Legalization of marijuana, also known as cannabis, weed, etc. has been a trending controversial topic in many sectors of Canada. Although, there have been several studies, organizations and celebrities endorsing the legalization; marijuana should not be legalized due to its severe health effects. Cannabis has both short and long term effects on an individual’s health. These effects range from brain function and development, mental illness, heart rate to lung damage. With almost 44 percent of Canadians who have tried marijuana, the health of Canadians is at stake.
In Canada, cannabis use became illegal in 1923 after the Act to Prohibit the Improper Use of Opium and other Drugs added cannabis to the list of illicit substances. Cannabis then became an illegal substance under the same category of harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin, despite lack of scientific or criminal correlations to suggest such categorization (CAMH, 2014). An increase in illicit drug use in the 1960’s and 1970’s was met by greatly increased criminalization and the associated individual and social costs. The strain on the courts, and the rising numbers of otherwise law-abiding youth being sentenced for recreational use of cannabis created pressures for the liberalization of Canada’s drug laws. As a result, the Commission of Inquiry
Marijuana is a commonly used street and recreational drug. It is a mood-altering drug affecting most organs in the body. There is evidence stating that marijuana is useful to people suffering from severe pain and chronic health problems, although it is believed that there are still multiple health concerns surrounding the drug (Davis, 2016). It is estimated that nearly 2.3 million Canadians are marijuana users (McDowell, n.d.). Marijuana is not yet legal in Canada, but it appears as though it may become legal in the near future. In 2015, there were 96, 423 drug violation incidents that occurred in Canada. According to StatCan, crimes involving marijuana have decreased, while crimes involving other drugs have increased. (Government of Canada,
There is presently much controversy regarding Cannabis-related legislations in Canada, as while there is a great deal of individuals supporting conditions in the present, there are also numerous people who are against contemporary laws. It is presently illegal to grow cannabis plants in Canada, but the authorities allow cannabis to be consumed for medical purposes. Many people in Canada believe that cannabis should be legalized in the country, with some of the most recent polls pointing toward the belief that the majority of individuals in the country consider that the substance should not be illegal. Although it would be difficult to assess the effects that legalizing cannabis would have, it is only safe to assume that the government should express more tolerance concerning the substance, considering that more than half of Canada's population has expressed its support in regard to the drug.
Throughout history, marijuana and its use in Canada has been surrounded with a myriad of controversy. Since its controversial prohibition in 1923 (Schwartz), marijuana has been a hot point of debate amongst Canadians. Although many believe that marijuana is extremely addictive, has negative effects on brain function and creates more crime, it is painfully obvious that Canada would benefit greatly from the taxing and selling of marijuana. The decriminalization of marijuana will not only salvage hundreds of millions of dollars in wasted law enforcement, but also will create a large financial windfall for the government in addition to directing more citizens to a less harmful drug than alcohol. According to many people who disagree with the sale of marijuana, “marijuana has serious health implications” (Berman). However, a recent study
Compared to meth and crystal meth use, rates of cannabis use among adolescent students are typically high (Bouchard et al., 2011). In the mid to late 2000s, the Canadian illicit drug market has generally remained stable (NIA et al., 2010). National Intelligence Analysis et al. (2010) contend that cannabis remained to be the most popular illicit
In the article “Marijuana Use and Alcohol Use Are Dangerous for Society”, Sven Olov Carlsson writes a letter to president Barack Obama informing him on the dangers of marijuana and alcohol use to societies. Carlsson is president of IOGT International, a politically independent organization that advocates for a world free of alcohol and other drugs; he is the international president of the World Federation Against Drugs. In his letter, Carlsson briefs marijuana as highly dangerous for the users mental health and well-being along with their community. He believes the thought of making cannabis regulated would lead to a disaster because alcohol is poorly regulated. And the fact that
Within today’s society, Cannabis is seen as a harmful substance of such negative controversy. Marijuana is a very prominent and controversial issue in society today. Despite many malicious allegations have been made regarding marijuana today, the truth of what marijuana’s real dangers are are beginning to come about again. Sadly, these facts have been held under considerable judgement because of what people stereotype a pot smoker as. This has been brought under heavy criticism due to the stereotypical view of what people view as the typical “pot smoker.” This image society has of a lazy and unambitious America has all been the result of almost one hundred years of false propaganda and stereotypes gossiped by certain private individuals trying to keep weed illegal for their own personal benefit.
Currently drug abuse is the issue that has plagued almost all the societies in the world. This problem poses serious threat to the life of people both in developed and underdeveloped countries. There are different kinds of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, ecstasy, and methamphetamine and so on (McGeorge & Aitken, 1997). Young and age-old people largely use many of these drugs. People usually consider these drugs as a relief from their worries, but these drugs lead them towards addition and psychotic disorders that eventually destroy their health. Legislative authorities in almost every part of the world have been trying to save their generations from the abuse, but the use of these drugs never ended. However, these legislations help to minimize the numbers of drug users where their implementation is done properly (Hall et al., 2004). The aim of this research paper is to provide knowledge about the Cannabis Legalization in Australia and the people’s approach who favor or oppose this legalization. Cannabis drug use, impacts, cannabis legalization in Australia and its advantages and disadvantages will also