Cannabis in British Columbia: How Can We Take the High Road?

This study examines how to reduce the harms and enhance the benefits that are produced by cannabis legislation in British Columbia. Criminalization of recreational cannabis aims to decrease demand. However, prior research reveals that this approach has little effect on usage rates. Although there are hazards associated with cannabis use, studies suggest that alcohol and tobacco consumption are more dangerous, yet it is legal to possess those drugs. Furthermore, the status quo allows criminal organizations to capture sizeable tax-free profits, which are frequently used to fund other unlawful activities. Cannabis prohibition also increases violence and elevates risks related to unsafe cultivation and storage. A cross jurisdictional analysis and expert interviews are used to identify and assess policy alternatives. The results indicate that while cannabis legalization is the most preferable option, provincial decriminalization has a greater likelihood of being accepted by government and the public.