With Canadian lawmakers recommending legalizing marijuana sales, U.S. officials should seriously engage in the debate to make new allowances for the drug.
Earlier this month, a Canadian Senate panel recommended a law legalizing marijuana sales and use for anyone older than 16. The law change also would legalize growing the drug for personal use.
Canadian lawmakers also advised the government to impose measures to control marijuana sales and production, similar to controls on cigarette and alcohol sales. They also suggested requirements for licensed distributors and a product tax.
Canada might be hoping to curb harsh drug laws and usage within its own borders, but its objective could have the opposite effect: More and more of its citizens could be encouraged to use marijuana and become addicted to it. Not only that, more U.S. citizens could be tempted to cross the border and smuggle drugs back into our country.
The actions of one country do indeed affect the countries surrounding it.
Should Canada legalize pot, officials fearing droves of Americans fleeing to the north, gathering amounts of the drug and transporting it back to the United States will enforce tighter security at every checkpoint along the U.S.-Canadian border.
This could cause a plethora of problems for those traveling through the largest and one of the most peaceful borders in the world. Security already has been tightened since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and any future steps taken to strengthen them only will cost taxpayers more money.
U.S. lawmakers also might have to consider new legislation and determine if marijuana should remain illegal.
Some states already are considering loosening restrictions on marijuana. Arizona, California and Ohio have begun working toward more lenient marijuana laws. And Nevada voters have approved marijuana use for medical purposes.
Anything involving the legitimization of a previously illegal substance should not be taken lightly.
The legalization of marijuana in Canada would exacerbate the current rise of drug use in United States, especially in border states.
In 2000, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported an increase in drug usage among adults aged 18-25. The department reported 18.8 percent of the population uses drugs.
And the problem hits close to home. Marijuana possession and charges for marijuana usage both increased in East Lansing in 2001. There were 22 charges of marijuana usage - up seven charges from the previous year. And marijuana possession charges rose from 79 in 2000 to 100 charges the following year.
Canada’s encouragement for legalizing marijuana does not help the situation - it could greatly increase drug usage in the United States.
Many still believe marijuana is an illegal substance that should remain illegal. Both Canadian and U.S. authorities should consider all factors involved with legalizing the drug.
There is much more at stake than simply allowing popular opinion to convince lawmakers to enact laws making an addictive and harmful activity open to all.
U.S. leaders should seriously engage in debate with their neighbors to the north.
