Cannabis in Canada: Six Years In, Is It a Success or a Problem?

22% of Canadians aged 15 and overuse in Canada
“Reducing Crime” vs. “Excessive Use” debate is heating up

This year, as Canada observes its sixth anniversary of marijuana legalization, the debate over its benefits and drawbacks continues to be intense. Opinions are split: some claim that mainstreaming marijuana has cut down on crime rates, while others argue that it has led to more marijuana smokers and heightened risks of secondhand smoke. The spotlight is on public sentiment toward the Canadian marijuana industry and the state of the current market.

Statistics Canada revealed on the 7th that 22% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported smoking marijuana in 2021. This marks a rapid increase in marijuana users compared to just 5.6% in 1985, before legalization, and 14.8% in 2017, the year it was legalized.

Most notably, concerns are rising about the high percentage of young marijuana users. Among adults aged 18 to 24, 39% reported using marijuana. The second highest usage was found in adults aged 25 to 44, at 18.3%. Other notable user groups include 15.6% of those aged 15 to 17 and 8.2% of those aged 65 and over.

Supporters argue that the Canadian government’s legalization of marijuana is playing a pivotal role in driving economic growth. Before legalization, the marijuana market was worth 6.4 billion Canadian dollars (approximately 5.05 billion U.S. dollars), but it surged to 10.8 billion (approximately 8.56 billion U.S. dollars) last year. This represents 0.5% of the total economic growth rate.

Moreover, they highlighted the significant reduction in marijuana-related crimes as another advantage. The argument is that it has prevented additional crimes that occur in the process of hiding or illegally distributing marijuana. Drug overdose deaths and other drug-related harms have also decreased. According to the Canadian government, the number of deaths due to drug use decreased by more than 8% last year compared to the previous year.

Opponents counter this view, arguing that easing access to marijuana has exposed more people to the substance than ever before, and the issue of secondhand smoke has worsened significantly.

Industry experts propose that while upholding the legalization of marijuana, it’s essential to implement regulations on smoking locations and consumption amounts. A spokesperson from the Canadian marijuana sector acknowledged the significant reduction in black market trade linked to marijuana since legalization. Nonetheless, they pointed out issues like excessive marijuana use and secondhand smoke, suggesting these could be mitigated through policies like fines and enhanced smoking control measures.

By. Ah Reum Han