Cannabis legalization in the US has seen tremendous momentum since 2016. A number of states have now legalized recreational marijuana consumption by adults aged 21 years or over.
Many have established legal and regulated markets. What are their implications for society, and what can science tell us about them?
Global Trends
Legal cannabis markets https://westcoastbud.io/ are expanding globally. By 2023, it's anticipated to see an estimated 15% growth. Furthermore, new countries are legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis which will continue this upward trajectory.
Canada's National Cannabis Survey showed that smoking cannabis remained the primary form of consumption (65% in 2019 and 58% in 2020). Other products that may be used include edibles and dabbing; their health consequences remain less well understood.
Younger individuals reported higher daily use than their elders in the last year of cannabis use, according to the NCS survey results. When asked where they had seen educational campaigns or public health or safety messages about cannabis use, those who reported using cannabis were more likely to recall seeing such messages than non-users in schools and libraries.
Hospitalization rates associated with cannabis consumption in Canada increased substantially prior to and after legalization; the rates of increase were highest in Ontario and British Columbia - as these provinces have higher per capita legal sales volumes - than Quebec or Alberta which have lower per capita legal sales volumes.
Canada
Liberal Party campaign promises during the 2015 Canadian federal election campaign included legalization, regulation, and restriction (see [2]). Provinces could design their retail systems and pass legislation accordingly; many established for-profit industries similar to alcohol or tobacco to restrict youth access.
Studies of cannabis use since legalization have had mixed findings regarding prevalence among young people; while some indicate a reduction, others report an increase.
Emergency Department visits due to cannabis have seen a steady climb since legalization, with edibles becoming legally available and then COVID-19 pandemic being slowing. Commercialization didn't start up again until March 2021).
United States
As the US moves away from its punitive drug policies, states with more liberal attitudes towards marijuana remain at the forefront. Furthermore, public perceptions have also changed and perceptions of great risk have reduced among those aged twelve or above in recent years.
Yet some important issues remain unresolved. For example, although cannabis-related arrests have decreased significantly across states that have legalized recreational cannabis use, racial disparities persist despite this change and further study is required on how social equity provisions influence cannabis laws.
Legalization in the US was led largely by citizens, through ballot initiatives which gave voters an active part in changing state policies. Going forward, it is critical that voters continue taking part in these processes so as to drive national change - this opportunity gives us a chance to reimagine prohibitionist drug policy for the better and can only come true if Americans fight hard enough.
Europe
Cannabis cultivation requires large amounts of energy, with energy costs accounting for as much as 50% of wholesale prices. To cut costs and improve energy efficiency, cannabis growers are exploring alternative growing techniques and renewable resources like Life Cycle Analysis as possible solutions.
Health Canada will begin collecting data from more private retailers this year in an attempt to increase market accessibility and decrease prices, and reduce price volatility. Furthermore, the agency continues to engage with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis governments and communities on matters pertaining to the Cannabis Act and related matters.
Prohibition has not succeeded in curbing cannabis use, and its social costs have been significant, particularly for marginalized groups who are more likely to be criminalized than others. Criminal records can interfere with access to housing, employment and travel opportunities while restricting educational and career advancement opportunities. Therefore it's time for alternative solutions - the INCB reminds Member States that legalizing cannabis for non-medical uses violates drug conventions while suggesting decriminalisation and reduced penalties as means to minimize negative societal repercussions.