Smoking & Driving

When an illicit substance is being considered for legalization it is important to consider the daily activities we participate in and our designated roles in society. Not only should we consider these factors but it is also imperative to evaluate the effect the drug has on an individual’s functionality. When contemplating the legalization of marijuana it should be assumed that individuals will be consuming this substance at any given time, whether they are attending school, work, driving, or taking care of their children.

The article, "Say 'no' to legalization of marijuana" by Donna Shalala states that over the years researchers have come to the conclusion that marijuana damages 'short-term memory, perception, judgment, and motor skills' and continues to point out that the use of this drugs effects 'heart rate, can lead to severe anxiety, and cause paranoia and lethargy.' It is clear, given the effects of this drug, that when considering legalization of a substance like this the government should also implement rules that will protect it’s citizens.

In Canada, over 15.4 million people commute to work everyday, with four out of five Canadians using private vehicles. The Criminal Code aims to protect society against impaired drivers by placing laws that set restrictions on the amount of alcohol an individual can consume while under the care of a motor vehicle. It is enviable that similar laws will be placed if marijuana is legalized, with the same goal of reducing the occurrence of impaired driving. How will the government come up with a reasonable limit that will apply to the general public? How will they enforce the restriction? These are all important questions our government should consider to ensure that our roads are safe.

In Ontario, having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 or more will result in immediate roadside license suspension. With that being said, the government still allows individuals to consume alcohol prior to operating a motor vehicle, so long as they do not exceed the legal blood alcohol concentration limit. If marijuana is legalized, it is safe to presume that there would be a similar legal limit in place to try to restrict consumption for those operating a motor vehicle. This is very alarming considering that first time users may experience more intensified effects which could possibly make them a greater threat on the roads.  With all these facts in mind, it should be apparent why the topic of legalizing marijuana should also start discussions concerning the overall safety of our motorists.

In the video below, medical marijuana patients have their driving abilities put to the test to document the effects of driving under the influence of the substance. 

Citations:

Shalala, D. E. (1995, August 18). Say 'no' to legalization of marijuana. Wall Street Journal , p. A10.

Turcotte, M. (2011). Commuting to work. Retrieved from http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/nhs-enm/2011/as-sa/99-012-x/99-012-x2011003_1-eng.cfm

Impaired Driving. (2014).  Retrieved from http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/impaired/

The Negative Effect of Legalization on Our Youth

In North America, marijuana is the most commonly consumed illicit drug, and the most prevalent amongst youth. By legalizing the drug, we are potentially sending a message that is acceptable to consume marijuana by putting it in the same category as tobacco and alcohol. This could result in higher usage rates because society will no longer prohibit usage; individuals that previously had a negative view on the drug will in turn be less hesitant to engage with the drug.


To purchase tobacco and alcohol in Canada you have to be of legal age, which is normally 18 or 19 years old. Despite the legal minimum age required to purchase these items, it is important to understand that minors still manage to access and consume them.  A recent study conducted by Statistics Canada revealed that out of 121,000  urveyed, one in ten teenagers smoked in 2011. A separate study, conducted from  2004 - 2011,  revealed that the average age for introduction to alcohol was around 15 1/2 years old. When reviewing the statistics it is safe to conclude that although the legal age to purchase tobacco and alcohol in Canada ranges from 18 to 19, depending on the province/territory you reside in, these substances are still ending up in the hands of youth much younger than this. Adolescent children have obvious access. If the argument were that by imposing an age requirement on marijuana we are protecting our youth - I would have to disagree.

Illustration of the Endocannabinoid System,
which shows how THC affects the brain and body.

A developing brain that is exposed to marijuana can alter the anatomy of the brain and cause psychological problems. Exposure to the drug can also damage major organs including the heart and lungs. Northwestern University  performed a study where they monitored the brain functionality of a heavy marijuana user and concluded that the brain abnormalities they found were similar to those found in individuals with schizophrenia. The study also points out that heavy use of marijuana also results in memory related problems and a decrease in the amount of neurons.  While this study is directed toward heavy marijuana use, some might argue that the substance is far less harmful if used in moderation.



Legalizing marijuana could result in an increase in usage amongst our youth. In my opinion, this would be an ill advised decision due to the fact that marijuana is proven to have damaging effects on the developing brain and can lead to dependency issues. If the argument is that putting an age requirement on legalized marijuana will prevent our youth from obtaining the drug, it should be noted that regulation hasn't prevented our youth from obtaining tobacco and alcohol; why would it prevent them from obtaining marijuana?

This video better explains the Endocannabinoid System, showing how THC affects the brain and body.

Citations:

Janz, T. (2012, June 19). Current smoking trends. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-624-x/2012001/article/11676-eng.htm

Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/drugs-drogues/stat/_2011/summary-sommaire-eng.php#a9


Paul, M. (2013, December 16). Heavy marijuana users have abnormal brain structure and poor memory. Retrieved from http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-12/nu-hmu121013.php

How Prohibition of Marijuana is Affecting our Society

It can be argued that making a commonly used substance illegal will subsequently cause an increase in violent crimes surrounding that substance, just like the prohibition of alcohol did in the 1920’s and early 1930’s. The prohibition of marijuana has resulted in corruption, organized crime, and funding for further criminal activity including importation of other drugs and guns.  

Statistics Canada reports that over the last 30 years - even with a significant decline in arrests involving marijuana,  it is still the most common drug being reported by the police.  Portions of the figures are related to the cultivation of marijuana, which has a higher potential of leading to violent crimes. By prohibiting one of the most commonly used drugs in Canada, it is only resulting in higher profit for drug dealers and creating turf wars that most often result in gun violence.

This chart illustrates the arrest rates related to several different drugs from 1977-2007.

Not all of the marijuana in our country is grown in Canada. By outlawing marijuana, it is also resulting in violence south of the American border. In Mexico and other Latin countries where the production of marijuana is prevalent, malicious behaviour and massacres are being conducted all for the purpose of profit. 

In the United States, an overwhelming amount of people are being convicted with non-violent drug charges. Around 750,000 people were arrested in 2012 for violating marijuana laws; 87 percent of those were simple possession charges. 

Drugs can be dangerous, this is something everyone can agree on, but not all drug users are violent offenders. It is the people who illegally cultivate and distribute drugs that are the ruthless, money-hungry, criminals and the ones who pose an immediate threat to society. By legalizing marijuana we can regulate the cultivation of the plant and make the process much safer, all while decreasing criminal activity and potentially eliminating future violent crimes. 

The video below highlights some of the problems that surround prohibition in Canada, focusing in particular on the province of British Columbia.

Citations:

Perreault, S. (2013, July 25). Police-reported crime statistics in Canada. Retrieved from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2013001/article/11854-eng.htm?fpv=269303

Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Crime in the United States, 2012." Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, 2013.

Is Marijuana Good for the Economy?

There are many advantages to legalizing marijuana for recreational use, especially when it comes to our economy. If you take out your preconceptions of the drug, you will come to the realization that alcohol and tobacco are considered a drug yet they regulated, sold, and taxed by government. Why would the government want to sell something that can harm the human body? There are two factors to consider: monetary advantages and a decrease in crime rate. With tobacco being estimated to produce 700 million dollars in taxes alone (in Canada), it is hard not think of what marijuana could bring to the table.


In Colorado, it has been approximately six months since the legalization of marijuana, and if the figures stay consistent it has the potential to generate millions in tax dollars. The State produced close to 22 million dollars in taxes - which include licensing and fees - in these first six months alone, as documented by the State Department of Revenue Data.  Imagine how much the whole country could generate if it followed Colorado’s lead? This could be exactly the type of stimuli the country needs to break through the economic downturn it's been suffering for the last several years. 


There is no doubt that there is a huge black market for marijuana in the States and all over the world. By legalizing and regulating sales of marijuana, we would ultimately take money out of the hands of criminals and gangsters and decrease the availability of funding for further criminal activity. The hope is that the money that will be generated through the taxed sale and distribution of marijuana will be used as an extra boost for the economy, while ultimately creating more jobs because you have just established a new industry.




It is imperative to note that by obtaining the extra source of funds from even one year’s worth of taxation of Marijuana we could further reduce the provinces/countries debt and could further strengthen our economy. 

In the news story below, Harry Smith, a NBC anchorman/contributor leads viewers on a proper, journalistically balanced tour of Colorado's local marijuana industry.  

Citations:

Goodman, L. (2014, February 11). Tobacco Tax In 2014 Canada Budget To Grab $700 Million From Smokers. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/02/11/tobacco-tax-2014-canada-budget_n_4769553.html

Colorado Marijuana Tax Data. (2014, January 1). Retrieved from http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&childpagename=Revenue-Main%2FXRMLayout&cid=1251633259746&pagename=XRMWrapper

Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana. (2010, April 20). Retrieved from http://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223