It seems the marijuana party has begun, and many people are rolling a joint and smiling broadly.
Vancouver has begun regulating its cannabis dispensaries, and the Supreme Court of Canada last week ruled that medical marijuana users can now ingest edible forms of the drug, in addition to being able to smoke it. Marijuana proponents, including dispensary owners who currently operate in a legal grey zone, are high on the excitement that we are in the midst of a societal change.
Perhaps we’ll soon have a free-for-all, with everyone able to access the drug that provides relief for many. Cannabis is used to treat a wide range of conditions, from anxiety to pain from cancer. It’s already legal as a recreational drug in four U.S. states.
But local NDP candidate Larry Koopman makes a strong point in his interview with The Squamish Chief: There hasn’t been enough research on the effects of marijuana.
We hope all parties in the federal election take a similar stance. We need more research to ensure Canada isn’t promoting a drug that will have significant effects on our population’s health and productivity. Currently, use of cannabis is less widespread than alcohol (also once illegal), but it’s likely there will be a surge in use once it’s legal. Many in our society won’t get involved in the trade of anything currently shady.
Some studies have already been done on the long-term side effects of marijuana use. People who smoke pot regularly may have daily cough and phlegm and symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and they’re at greater risk of pneumonia, heart attacks and testicular cancer, according to reports. Marijuana is known to affect brain function (hence the term ‘pothead’) and could affect our abilities to do complex tasks and pursue academic, athletic or professional goals that require focus. Marijuana use has also been linked to psychosis, including delusions and hallucinations – this is a serious and life-altering mental illness.
You could argue that alcohol also has huge impacts on our society’s health and productivity, and you would be correct. From this viewpoint, it’s easy to argue: Why not also legalize another damaging drug?
Marijuana is already legal for medical use in Canada, but let’s proceed with caution on full legalization until our scientists have done sufficient studies and know the facts. There simply hasn’t been enough research to make a decision that could hugely impact our youth – and our society at large.
