The Realities of Drugs Use, Reasons behind its Decriminalization, and Available Support

Drug use, especially when it is a new sight for someone, can be confusing and even intimidating. It can be associated with negative emotions for newcomers who are not accustomed to seeing seemingly illegal drugs being used openly. There are various reasons why Cannabis was legalized in Canada. Following are some of those reasons:

1. Public Health and Safety: Proponents argued that legalizing cannabis would allow for better regulation of its production, distribution, and sale, thereby reducing the risks associated with consuming unregulated products. Legalization also aimed to minimize the potential harms associated with the criminalization of cannabis use, such as exposure to more dangerous substances in the illicit market.

2. Harm Reduction: Legalization was seen as a way to mitigate the harms associated with prohibition, such as criminal records for minor cannabis offences, disproportionate enforcement in marginalized communities, and the fostering of a black market that could lead to increased criminal activity.

3. Social Justice: There was recognition that the enforcement of cannabis laws disproportionately affected certain communities, particularly racial minorities and low-income individuals. Legalization aimed to address these disparities by ending criminal penalties for cannabis possession and consumption.

4. Economic Opportunities: Legalizing cannabis presented significant economic opportunities, including job creation, tax revenue generation, and developing a legal industry that could compete with the black market. Legalization allowed for the establishment of licensed producers, retailers, and ancillary businesses, contributing to economic growth.

5. Public Opinion: Over time, public attitudes towards cannabis shifted, with a growing acceptance of its recreational and medicinal uses. Legalization reflected these changing attitudes and provided a framework for responsible adult use while implementing safeguards to protect public health and safety.

6. International Trends: Canada’s decision to legalize cannabis was influenced by similar moves in other jurisdictions, such as certain U.S. states and countries like Uruguay. Observing the outcomes of these policy changes contributed to the momentum for legalization in Canada.

7. Medical Access: Legalization also expanded access to cannabis for medical purposes, allowing patients to obtain cannabis products with a prescription from healthcare professionals. This facilitated research into the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its derivatives.

Overall, the decision to legalize cannabis in Canada was driven by a combination of public health considerations, social justice concerns, economic opportunities, shifting attitudes, and lessons learned from other jurisdictions.

What is the Difference between Decriminalization vs. Legalization?

Legalization and decriminalization are not the same thing. Legalization is the process by which a drug that was formerly illegal is now allowed by federal or local law. Decriminalization indicates that although a drug that was formerly illegal is still illegal, carrying less than a specific amount is no longer grounds for criminal prosecution or other legal action.

Decriminalization ensures that drugs are still governed and controlled at the federal level. Additionally, for people who are abusing substances, it may facilitate a more transparent route to receiving professional drug treatment. Still, there is considerable disagreement about this. Decriminalization does not necessarily lead to increased drug use, despite the concern that it might reduce the fear of severe consequences. Research indicates that countries adopting less punitive drug policies have not seen significant rises in drug use, drug-related harm, or crime compared to those with stricter penalties. For instance, a study by the World Health Organization highlighted that the United States, despite its harsh policies, exhibits markedly higher lifetime drug use rates. This suggests that decriminalization’s impact on drug use rates is minimal or negligible, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing drug treatment over punitive measures.

Legalization of Drugs in Canada: Negative Impacts of Criminalization

The conventional method of dealing with drug use in the criminal justice system has resulted in many adverse outcomes. Making substance use illegal worsens the negative effects on society, the body, and finances, especially for minority groups dealing with unequal systems and discrimination. The negative perception linked to being criminalized also hinders people from getting essential healthcare and support services.

Additionally, the illegal drug trade leads to criminal activity and victimization, as the fact that drugs are illegal makes them more valuable and promotes illegal trading and violence. This scenario affects not just individual users but also has an impact on larger communities. Decriminalization also aids in lowering stigma by shifting the perspective of substance use from being viewed as criminal behaviour to being understood as a health concern. This change could result in improved health results and higher use of healthcare services.

The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) has firmly supported the decriminalization of illegal substances. After conducting a thorough examination of available data, the CPA suggests eliminating criminal punishments for the basic possession of illicit substances as outlined in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Moreover, the CPA stresses the importance of a comprehensive approach to tackling substance use problems. This consists of:

• Improving the availability of evidence-supported prevention, treatment, and harm reduction initiatives.
• Offering specific exceptions to help promote harm reduction efforts.
• Providing police officers with the necessary tools and education to provide alternatives to criminal justice for drug offences.
• Working with people with personal experiences, policymakers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement to create new policies and initiatives.
• Expanding awareness campaigns for the public to decrease stigma and address misunderstandings regarding decriminalization.

The implementation of cannabis legalization in Canada has brought about various consequences since its initiation on October 17, 2018. These are a few significant effects:

1. Economic Impact: Legalization has created a burgeoning industry with opportunities for growth and investment. This includes the cultivation, distribution, and retail sectors. It has also generated significant tax revenue for the government.

2. Job Creation: The cannabis industry has created numerous jobs, ranging from cultivation and processing to retail and regulatory roles.

3. Reduced Criminal Activity: Legalization has aimed to reduce the black market for cannabis by providing legal avenues for purchase. This can potentially lead to a decrease in related criminal activities.

4. Health and Safety Regulation: Legalization has allowed for regulating cannabis products, ensuring quality control and safety standards. This includes regulations regarding potency, labelling, and packaging.

5. Public Health Impact: There has been ongoing debate about the impact of legalization on public health, particularly concerning youth usage rates and potential long-term health effects. Some argue that legalization may lead to increased accessibility and normalization of cannabis use, while others believe that regulation can mitigate these concerns.

6. Social Impact: Legalization has prompted shifts in societal attitudes towards cannabis use. It has sparked conversations about responsible use, harm reduction, and destigmatization.

7. Tourism: Canada has seen an increase in cannabis tourism following legalization, with visitors from countries where cannabis remains illegal coming to partake in the legal market.

8. Challenges: Despite the benefits, challenges remain, such as addressing impaired driving, workplace safety concerns, and ensuring equitable access to the industry, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by previous drug policies.

It can be disorienting for some to observe others using drugs and associate it with suffering. It affects newcomers in different ways. Apart from reading a descriptive book that offers a glimpse into the psychology behind addiction, among others, on this topic, residents of Lanark and Renfrew counties can benefit from a multitude of services to help cope with addiction, deal with negative emotions and educate about various aspects of drug use.

Resources and Supports

Lanark County

E-mental health support services, Lanark County

Lanark County Mental Health

Lanark County Programs and Supports

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Renfrew County

Renfrew County Community Resources

Renfrew County Addiction Treatment System

Mental Health and Addiction Resources

Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres (CATC)

Irving House Addiction Treatment Centre

Renfrew Victoria Hospital

Treatment Centres in Pembroke

Renfrew County Community Resources

Renfrew County Addiction Treatment System