The debate over whether or not marijuana should be legalized is becoming increasingly prevalent in many parts of the world.
One of the biggest concerns is of course whether or not legalizing the drug would lead to increased use and therefore higher incidences of marijuana addiction. While it’s understandable to assume that this would be the case, many studies find that this simply isn’t true.
A government report issued in the UK a few years back found that there is no obvious link between tough laws and levels of illegal drug use.
The report compared the UK with 13 other countries around the world and it was concluded that drug use is actually influenced by factors far more complex and nuanced than legislation and enforcement alone.
Interestingly, it was also found that there has been a considerable improvement in the health of drug users in Portugal since the country made possession a health issue rather than a criminal one in 2001.
There is also so far, no compelling data to suggest that drug use has increased in the state of Colorado where recreational cannabis is currently legal.
This reinforces evidence which suggests that the most effective way to deal with drug problems is to offer those who need it support rather than punish them. If someone has a marijuana addiction for example, they are highly likely to start using again once they leave prison. If however, they are offered proper treatment and are armed with the marijuana addiction facts, they have a much better chance of recovery.
Drug laws around the world
Canada was the first nation to legalize marijuana for medical use after the Canadian Court of Appeal declared medical marijuana prohibition unconstitutional back in 2001. While recreational use currently remains illegal, a bill to legalize it was introduced to Parliament in April 2017 and if approved, the controlled production, distribution, sale and possession of the drug could be legal by July 2018.
From decriminalization to death penalties, there are many different approaches to drug control around the world but is there any one method that actually works?
Portugal
Drugs were effectively decriminalized in Portugal over a decade ago now. Although they are still prohibited, drug use is no longer a crime and new policies have been developed with regards to prevention, treatment, harm reduction and reinsertion.
According to Home Office statistics, since this has been done there has been a considerable improvement in the health of drug users in the country and there has also been a reduction in the number of HIV cases and overdoses.
Czech Republic
Although the possession of drugs is illegal in the Czech Republic, being caught with a small amount is treated as an administrative offense and is punishable with only a fine. Levels of cannabis use in the country are among the highest in Europe.
Netherlands
Although drug possession is illegal in Holland, the police and courts operate a policy of tolerance which is why the country has become famous for its cannabis smoking. The reported number of deaths linked to the use of drugs in the Netherlands is one of the lowest in the EU.
Japan
Japan has the toughest drug laws in the developed world. The country operates a zero-tolerance policy and criminal sanctions are tougher than they are in many parts of the world. There are low levels of drug use in Japan but it’s difficult to decipher whether this can be attributed to the harsh penalties or a long cultural opposition to drugs and a society where cultural conformity is valued.
Sweden
Sweden is seen as the toughest zero-tolerance state when it comes to drugs in Western Europe. Both use and possession is illegal and even minor use can lead to a prison sentence. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that the country has one of the lowest drug usage rates in the Western world.
If you would like to speak to someone about marijuana addiction in Toronto or need help identifying marijuana addiction signs, please feel free to contact us and we will be more than happy to help.
