Universal legalization of Cannabis
The debate surrounding the universal legalization of cannabis is complex. Proponents argue for economic, social, and health benefits, while opponents expresses concerns.
SHOULD “CANNABIS” BE UNIVERSALLY LEGAL?
BY: ISHAN KAUSHIK
The debate surrounding the universal legalization of cannabis is complex. Proponents argue for economic, social, and health benefits, while opponents express concerns about potential risks and negative consequences. Striking a balance between individual freedom, public health, and societal well-being is crucial when making decisions regarding drug policy.
Introduction:
The debate surrounding the legalization of cannabis has gained significant attention in recent years. With an increasing number of countries and states relaxing their laws on marijuana, it is crucial to consider the implications of universal legalization. While proponents argue for the economic, social, and health benefits, opponents express concerns about potential risks and negative consequences. This article aims to explore both perspectives and shed light on the question: Should cannabis be universally legal?
The Case for Universal Legalization:
Economic Benefits:
Legalizing cannabis can generate substantial economic advantages. By taxing and regulating its production and sale, governments can create a new source of revenue. It also presents an opportunity to create jobs within the legal cannabis industry, boosting employment rates and stimulating economic growth.
Criminal Justice Reform:
Criminalizing cannabis has resulted in significant costs to the criminal justice system. By legalizing it, resources can be redirected to more pressing matters, reducing the burden on law enforcement and the judicial system. Moreover, legalization can help address issues related to racial disparities in drug-related arrests and convictions.
Medicinal Potential:
Cannabis has been proven to have medicinal properties that can alleviate symptoms for various conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea caused by chemotherapy. Universal legalization would enable better access to medical marijuana, improving the quality of life for patients in need.
Consumer Safety:
Regulating the cannabis market ensures the availability of safe and standardized products. Legalization allows for quality control measures, product testing, and accurate labeling, mitigating the risks associated with unregulated substances. It also promotes education on responsible consumption and reduces the reliance on the black market.
The Case Against Universal Legalization:
Health Risks:
Opponents argue that cannabis can have adverse health effects, especially on the developing brain. Heavy and prolonged use may increase the risk of cognitive impairments, mental health disorders, and addiction. Legalizing cannabis could potentially lead to increased consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations, which could exacerbate these health concerns.
Road Safety:
Cannabis use can impair cognitive and motor skills, affecting a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Critics of universal legalization express concerns about a potential increase in cannabis-impaired driving incidents, posing risks to public safety. Establishing effective regulations and enforcement mechanisms to address this issue is crucial.
Gateway Drug Theory:
Some argue that cannabis serves as a gateway drug, meaning its use may lead to the experimentation and subsequent use of more harmful substances. While research on this theory is mixed, opponents of universal legalization worry that increased accessibility and normalization of cannabis could indirectly contribute to the use of harder drugs.
Societal Impact:
Critics express concerns about the societal impact of widespread cannabis use. They argue that legalization could lead to increased rates of addiction, workplace productivity issues, and negative social consequences. These concerns highlight the need for robust public health campaigns and educational programs to mitigate potential risks.
Hence, this article just came up with another question too- “Should cannabis be legalized in INDIA?”
So, there can be two factors of this Question “Should Cannabis be legal in India?” One is “Legalize Cannabis in India” and second is “Why India shouldn’t Legalize Cannabis?”
💡 Firstly, Legalising cannabis can have major benefits for all citizens. If carried out correctly, everyone will benefit from less crime and stronger rule of law. However, implementation of stringent narcotic laws in 1986 made the sale, consumption, production and transportation of marijuana illegal in the country. 32 years on, here are some reasons why marijuana should now be legalized in India. Legalising the drug will especially help protect young people and may even lower their consumption of the drug. It is also a way of raising taxes for the state, instead of fuelling criminal organisations, which currently control the illegal market.
These benefits are increasingly recognised by the public. Crucial to seeing these benefits come about, is the way legalising cannabis is done and how the drug is priced once it is made legal. The increased competition that the legal market would bring would likely substantially increase consumption – not something most policymakers want. So as well as implementing a legal market, there needs to be a mix of policies to control consumption, including sanctions that are enforced against illegal activities. The money that will be generated by selling and taxing legal cannabis should be largely redistributed towards these kinds of initiatives.
Further, legalising cannabis may enable the police to reallocate their efforts towards other crimes, improving police effectiveness against class-A drugs and non-drug crimes.
And Secondly, Why India shouldn’t legalize Cannabis?
Colorado legalised marijuana around five years ago. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment constituted an expert committee to review its harmful effects. It noted that there is substantial evidence that its use may lead to cancer, cardiovascular illness, lung diseases, road accidents, impaired adolescent health, serious drug interaction and reproductive health disorders. It reported robust evidence that legalisation may increase unintentional use by children at home.
Organised crime cases almost tripled in five years. Marijuana possession- related arrests have halved but not decreased dramatically, as anticipated. Marijuana accounted for 22% of all expulsions and 24% of all law enforcement referrals in Colorado public schools. It is clear from the statistics that marijuana legalisation has failed to achieve its objectives.
India has a history of misuse of even prescription drugs that are otherwise beneficial. Weak opiates (derivatives of opium) are one of the easily available alternatives to cannabis for medical conditions. Codeine-based cough syrups are effective for controlling severe cough, but after reports of rampant misuse, the Narcotics Control Bureau asked the Drug Controller General of India to reduce their availability despite their proven effectiveness. In the Indian context, when prescription drugs are grossly misused, how can we ensure the disciplined use of cannabis? It is obvious that arguments for medicinal or industrial use are simply smokescreens to fool policymakers and swing public support.
Further, India is struggling to control the three addictive substances of tobacco, alcohol and areca nut. As per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, 270 million Indians use tobacco and it kills around 1.35 million Indians every year. Nearly 30% of India’s adult population is using alcohol, leading to 3.3 million deaths. The legalisation of cannabis is not only going to worsen these alarming statistics but also serve as a gateway for one of these carcinogens.
Following legalisation in the West, various newer products with marijuana are available in the market and on online portals, without proper prescription. These include marijuana chewing gums, candies, etc, which youngsters can easily take to. This will lead to the popularity of marijuana products among youth.
Conclusion:
The question of whether cannabis should be universally legal is a complex and multifaceted issue. While there are valid arguments on both sides, it is essential to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks associated with legalization. Striking a balance between individual freedom, public health, and societal well-being is crucial when making decisions regarding drug policy. Continued research, evidence-based regulations, and open dialogue will help guide policymakers in navigating this evolving landscape. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a comprehensive framework that maximizes the benefits of cannabis while minimizing potential harm.