The Canadian government decided to legalize the consumption of cannabis to accomplish three main goals. Keeping cannabis out of the hands of adolescents, keeping the profit out of the pockets of criminals and protecting public health by allowing adults the access to legal cannabis.
The focus of this paper will be on the three main goals mentioned above, and in which way these goals have been accomplished or not. Further, the effect which the legalization has in connection with the economy and illegal transport is mentioned as well. A conclusion is served afterwards.
First, the paper will be about general information on how and when the bill to legalize cannabis got introduced and information about the effect and origin of cannabis. The following part will deal with the topic of illegal use despite the legalization. After this will be discussed how the black market is to be assessed, the use by adolescents and transport into the United States. Canadas economy and economic changes after the legalization are addressed in the next section. Changes after one quarter year past the legalization on the aspects consume by cannabis, public health and traffic fatalities are taken a look at as well.
A comparison between the cannabis policy in Germany and in Canada is finally taken a look at and is followed by the conclusion.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction - Reasons of Legalization of cannabis in Canada- incitements, implementation and results
2 General Information
2.1 Legalization act
2.2 Effect of Cannabis
3 Illegal use despite legalization
3.1 Effect of the black market
3.2 Cannabis consumption by minors
3.3 Cannabis transport into the United States
4 Economy - Change of the Canadian economy due to the legalization
5 Results after legalization in the first quarter of 2019
5.1 Change in consumption by cannabis
5.2 Traffic fatalities
5.3 Public health
6 Comparison between the cannabis policy in Canada and Germany
7 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the legalization of cannabis in Canada, specifically analyzing whether the government's primary goals—protecting public health, curbing the black market, and preventing adolescent access—have been achieved. It investigates economic impacts, post-legalization consumption trends, traffic safety concerns, and provides a comparative analysis with German policy.
- Analysis of the Canadian legalization process and its primary objectives.
- Evaluation of the persistent black market and its impact on the legal industry.
- Impact of legalization on cannabis consumption patterns among minors and adults.
- Assessment of economic growth and traffic safety outcomes following legalization.
- Comparative policy review between Canada and Germany regarding socioeconomic impacts.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Effect of the black market
One of the three main reasons which moved the Canadian Government to legalize the use of marijuana, was to reduce illegal purchases and keeping profits out of the hands of criminals. (Government of Canada, 2019) Unlike legally sold weed, the illegal one involves several risks such as unverified and unclean sales. The probability to try a different, dangerous drug is also very high, because an illegal source possibly sells more than one kind of drug.
It is now important to discuss, whether consumers prefer to buy their cannabis legally or if they still desire to purchase marijuana illegally, ever since the legalization in October 2018. According to Esfandiari, S., the acquisition of weed from the black market is still remarkably large (Esfandiari, 2019). 42,7 percent of marijuana consumers admit that they still like to buy their cannabis from an illegal source (compare appendix one).
Sales from the legal market are estimated to be about one billion dollars, while approximately five to seven billion dollars are spent on the illegal purchase of marijuana. One of the reasons is for example the difference in price. The cost of illegally acquired weed is only about half as much as legally purchased marijuana (Esfandiari, 2019).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction - Reasons of Legalization of cannabis in Canada- incitements, implementation and results: Outlines the historical context of Canada's 2018 cannabis legalization and the government's three core objectives for the policy shift.
2 General Information: Details the legislative process of Bill C-45 and provides scientific context regarding the physiological effects of THC and CBD on the human body.
3 Illegal use despite legalization: Investigates the ongoing prevalence of the black market, consumption rates among minors, and the legal consequences of transporting cannabis across the U.S. border.
4 Economy - Change of the Canadian economy due to the legalization: Analyzes the economic growth triggered by the legal cannabis industry and compares it to the social costs associated with alcohol and tobacco.
5 Results after legalization in the first quarter of 2019: Reviews empirical data on consumer behavior changes, traffic safety measures, and public health outcomes following the initial implementation phase.
6 Comparison between the cannabis policy in Canada and Germany: Contrasts Canadian tax revenues and crime rate shifts with the current legislative and financial landscape regarding cannabis in Germany.
7 Conclusion: Summarizes findings, noting that while economic goals were met, objectives concerning the reduction of illegal markets and adolescent usage remain ongoing challenges.
Keywords
Cannabis, Legalization, Canada, Black Market, Public Health, Economy, THC, Adolescents, Traffic Fatalities, Policy Comparison, Germany, Bill C-45, Consumption, Marijuana, Legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper explores the legalization of cannabis in Canada, specifically evaluating the success of the government's legislative goals regarding public health, criminal markets, and youth protection.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The key themes include the legislative history of the legalization, the persistence of the illicit market, economic impacts, public health considerations, traffic safety, and a policy comparison with Germany.
What is the central research question?
The research asks whether the Canadian government has successfully achieved its three main goals—protecting public health, removing profit from criminals, and preventing youth access—since the 2018 legalization.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The paper employs a comprehensive analysis of secondary data, including government statistics, legal documents, and existing academic literature to evaluate the outcomes of the cannabis legalization.
What content is discussed in the main part?
The main part covers the legislative framework, the black market's resilience, economic growth figures, changes in consumption patterns, and the legal risks associated with cross-border transport.
How would you characterize this work with keywords?
Key terms include cannabis, legalization, Canada, black market, public health, economy, youth protection, and policy evaluation.
How has legalization affected the black market according to the author?
While legalization was intended to eliminate the illicit market, the paper notes that it persists significantly due to price differences, taxes, and a limited number of legal retail outlets.
What does the author conclude regarding cannabis and traffic safety?
The author concludes that while the government has implemented strict penalties and educational measures, there is currently a lack of definitive, reliable data to assess the impact of legalization on traffic fatalities.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Lia Wölke (Autor:in), 2020, Reasons of Legalization of Cannabis in Canada. Incitements, Implementation and Results, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1033961
