Effects of legalizing all drugs in Canada

Effects of legalizing all drugs in Canada

Violence is regarded as main concern of society, and research indicate that illicit drugs is connecting to criminal activities. Many drug addicts end up in jails, which result to an increasing costs for fortifying law enforcement as well as society’s stability. In Canada, cannabis is considered the most commonly used illicit drug. Other illicit drugs include heroin, cocaine and opioid are also well-known by the general public. Majority of drug abusers have criminal records relate to their drug addictions, they are regarded as high-risky population that threaten to social sustainability. “Since the early 1990, federal Canadian government have routinely implemented so-called drug strategy policy” (Fischer, 2016). Each year, government designates a large amounts of money to take control of drugs abuse. For example, in 2003 drug strategy had $271 million of funds for drug repression, and funds increase to $335 million after three years (Fischer, 2016). In the recent year, drug policy in Canada shift to a more health-oriented approach. However, if all drugs are legalize in Canada, we could be expect to a substantial growth of addict population in a short time. Then, government will need a large sum of budget to sustain public safety. Considering 1.4 billion are spent to keep drug offenders in prison (Fischer, 2016). This budget will be even higher if all drugs are legalized, since will create a large social burden to society.

 

In the recent years, public opinion is in favor of decriminalize of marijuana for recreationally purpose. At the same time, government foreseen the potential growth of tax revenue that marijuana can produce. And this assumption is already testified by Colorado, the first states in U.S. to legalize marijuana business. Within two year, cannabis had contributed over $135 million to Colorado’s tax revenue (Hajizadeh, 2016). According to Imperial Bank of Commerce, Canadian government can collect $10 billion or more taxation revenue generated by Marijuana products. From an economic perspective, the legalization of drugs business can eradicate the black market and generate a lucrative market in the economy. Accordingly, government will have more budgets to invest into society such as education.

The economy will be substantially boosted in short time. Nevertheless, we cannot generalize legalization of all drugs will have a satisfying result in long run.  Review history, British took opium to mainland China intending to open a channel of drug trade. Opium exhibited its mighty capability in orient. The workforce in China were affected by the opium addiction and productivity was undermined. Consequently, the economy was basically collapsed, which rendered British the perfect opportunity to further exploit Chinese economy. If Canada legalized all drugs, economic boom will be likely to happen only in short term. How will the workforce be influenced by drug addiction and will they maintain productivity in general are the concerns to the Canadian economy. Based on history, I disagree the legalization of all drugs will boost economy in long run.

 

Legalization all drugs can be a threat to public transportation. Drug-impaired driving elevate the potential risks on the road. According to statistics, 5% of licensed drivers have found driving under the influence of cannabis in Canada. Drug and alcohol affected driving are subject to criminal offence in some countries, but the punishment in BC is relatively mild. We shall see considerable increase drug related traffic accidents from legalizing all drugs, which can be a huge burden to healthcare system. Another concern is the infectious diseases related to illicit drugs. Morphine, heroin, cocaine are examples of drugs that require injection. Using needles to inject drugs may expose people to HIV, HCV and other diseases. Study indicates over 50% of street-involved crack users engaged in paraphernalia sharing (Fischer, 2016).  Although, there are supervised injection sites that provide needle exchange service. These were setting up under the harm-reduction initiative. Once government support the legalization of all drugs, the capacity of injection sites will be soon under supply. Therefore, the pressure shift to Canadian healthcare. The financial toll for covering medical costs of injection drug users will be a considerable burden for society. Furthermore, medical resources will not be fairly accessible to individuals because of the increasing drug-related incidences.

 

Drug abusers always feel a sense of painful emptiness in their life. Gabor Mate says “Not all addictions are rooted in abuse or trauma, but I do believe they can all be traced to painful experience.” (Mate, 2008) Addicts are extremely concise to painfulness in their life when they are in the state of void. Drugs can physically and physiologically help user to be invulnerable, which soften their painfulness and stabilize their mentality. In other word, drugs provide users with a reliable source of energy. In some cases, drug can also enhance use’s personality. “Many addicts report similar improvements in their social abilities under the influence, in contrast to the intolerable aloneness they experience when sober.” (Mate, 2008) This why drug users are so obsessed with illicit drugs. They barely regret the decision to take on drug at the first place. However, if all drugs are legalized in Canada, the next generation will be more accessible to drugs in young age. This will develop drugs as one of the necessaries as food and water in people’s life, which will make abstention extremely hard. Considering the possible negative effects drugs can generate in many aspects. I think the legalization of all drugs is bad to sustainable development of society.