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The potential impacts of the legalisation of cannabis



KIAN SHAH (L6)

When we hear the term “cannabis”, what tends to come to mind? Our neuro associations would probably link it to mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Despite this, cannabis is legalised in many developing and developed countries. Our knowledge of the harm caused by cannabis is incomplete; the lack of clear cut and definitive data can make it hard for ourselves and leaders of different countries to assess the risks and benefits of making cannabis legal.

So why exactly is cannabis currently illegal in the UK? Cannabis is considered as a class B drug, which means it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and to be harmful to the user. Possession of cannabis is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, while supplying or producing the drug can lead to a 14 year prison sentence. There are a number of reasons why cannabis is illegal in the UK. One reason is that it is believed to have negative effects on physical and mental health. Cannabis can cause a range of short-term effects including impaired memory and concentration, altered judgement, and increased heart rate, which can be particularly harmful to young people. Another reason why cannabis is illegal in the UK is that it is seen as a gateway drug that can lead to the use of more harmful substances. Some research suggests that people who use cannabis are more likely to use other illegal drugs. Despite its illegal status, cannabis is still the most commonly used illegal drug in the UK, so it warrants the question of whether cannabis should still be illegal.

If cannabis were to be legalised, there would be difficulty in regulating and controlling the market; legalising cannabis can be challenging, as it requires the development of a regulatory framework to ensure that the market is safe and responsible. There is a risk that a poorly regulated market could lead to negative consequences, such as increased cannabis use by young people, or the proliferation of illegal sales. There is also potential conflict with federal laws, as seen with other countries already. 

However, there are a number of potential benefits of legalising cannabis. One benefit consists of the ability to increase tax revenue; legalising and regulating the sale of cannabis can generate significant tax revenue for governments, which can be used to fund public services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure. Another benefit would be reduced crime; illegal cannabis trade is often associated with organised crime and violence. Legalising cannabis can reduce criminal activity related to its production, distribution and sale. Furthermore, the legalisation of cannabis could lead to racial justice, as the criminalisation of cannabis has disproportionately affected certain communities, particularly communities of colour. Despite cannabis having health implications, cannabis has also been shown to have potential medicinal benefits for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Legalising cannabis can make it easier for people to access these health benefits. Legalising cannabis also allows adults to express their own personal freedom. 

There are a number of countries that have legalised cannabis in different ways. Countries such as Portugal, Uruguay, United States, Netherlands and Canada all have legalised cannabis for recreational use. Canada has legalised cannabis in a way that is relatively successful. In Canada, cannabis was legalised for recreational use in 2018. The government established a strict regulatory framework for the production, distribution and sale of cannabis, which has helped to ensure that the legal market is safe and responsible. The legal cannabis market has also generated significant tax revenue for the government, which has been used to fund public services such as education and healthcare. However, it is worth noting that the legalisation of cannabis has not been without challenges, and there is still room for improvement. Overall, the legalisation of cannabis in Canada is viewed as a success by many.

So is there any chance of cannabis becoming legal in the UK? Well, it is difficult to predict whether or not cannabis will be legalised in the UK in the near future. While there has been an ongoing debate about the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalisation, the government has not indicated that it intends to legalise cannabis in the near future. 

That being said, there have been some recent developments that suggest that the UK government is considering relaxing its stance on cannabis. In 2018, the government legalised cannabis-based medicinal products. In addition, the government has established a panel of experts to review the evidence on the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis and to make recommendations on how it should be regulated. 

It is possible that the findings of this panel could lead to further changes in the way that cannabis is regulated in the UK. However it is important to note that the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use is a complex and controversial issue, and it is not clear whether it will ever be legalised in the UK.

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