Modernised cannabis policies in Canada: A win-win for society and economy

The global momentum of cannabis policy modernisation

Across the globe, the winds of change are blowing in the realm of cannabis policy. From the Americas to Europe, nations are re-evaluating their stance on cannabis, with many moving towards more progressive and modernised policies. Notably, continents from North America to Europe are witnessing nations either fully legalising cannabis for adult use or intensifying their efforts in that direction.

Benefits beyond the cannabis community

While countries like Uruguay, Canada, Malta, and Luxembourg have embraced modernised cannabis policies, the benefits extend beyond just the cannabis consumers. Entrepreneurs and investors are also finding new avenues and opportunities in the burgeoning legal cannabis industry. However, the advantages of such policies are not limited to these groups alone. A recent comprehensive study from Canada sheds light on the broader societal implications of modernised cannabis policies.

Insights from the Canadian study

A collaboration between researchers from esteemed institutions such as the University of Northern British Columbia, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the University of Victoria, the University of Guelph, and Dalhousie University delved into the relationship between cannabis legalisation and various types of crimes.

The study focused on data from the Canadian Uniform Crime Reporting Survey spanning from 2015 to 2021.

Key findings

• The Cannabis Act in Canada, introduced in 2018, aimed to reduce the strain on the criminal justice system. The study sought to determine the act's effectiveness in achieving this goal and its impact on property and violent crime rates.
• Post-legalisation, there was a significant decrease in police-reported cannabis-related offences among adults. The reduction was 73.9% for females and 83.2% for males.
• Contrary to some concerns, legalisation did not lead to a spike in property or violent crimes. The study found no significant changes in these crime rates post-legalisation.
• The researchers concluded that Canada's approach to cannabis legalisation successfully reduced cannabis-related criminalisation among adults without any adverse effects on other crime rates.

Implications for society at large

While not everyone partakes in cannabis consumption, the societal implications of its prohibition are far-reaching. Criminal justice resources are finite, and the enforcement of cannabis prohibition consumes a significant portion of these resources. This diversion means that genuine criminal activities, such as violent and property crimes, may not receive the attention they warrant.

Moreover, the court system, burdened with cannabis-related cases, may find its resources stretched thin, detracting from its ability to address more severe criminal activities. In essence, cannabis prohibition, by consuming valuable resources, indirectly impacts every member of society.

The economic perspective

Modernised cannabis policies not only conserve resources but also generate revenue. The taxation of legal cannabis products can provide a significant boost to national and local coffers. These funds can then be channelled into various societal projects, from education to infrastructure. Canada stands as a testament to the economic benefits of modernised cannabis policies, showcasing the potential for other nations to follow suit.

Conclusion

The move towards modernised cannabis policies is not merely a trend but a reflection of a more informed and evidence-based approach to drug policies. As nations like Canada demonstrate, the benefits of such policies extend beyond the cannabis community, positively impacting society and the economy. It's a clarion call for nations still clinging to outdated prohibitionist policies to reconsider and embrace a more progressive stance.