Legalization of Marijuana in Canada
- Author’s Main Argument
The author argues that Marijuana is prone to cause suffering, problems in workplaces and breakdown of many families. He feels that the government should not legalize its use as its adverse effects on the health of human beings is known, and it will eventually cause a national disaster in Canada. Being an employer and a father, we can feel that the author is concerned about the direction that his business will take and the environment his children will grow in. I agree with the author that the use of Marijuana should not be legalized. A government that cares for its people should implement policies with its citizen’s interests at hand.
- The Main Sociological Perspective
Of the four main sociological perspectives, the author’s article closely resembles liberalism. It is a political doctrine which focusses on protection of rights. This doctrine protects and enhances an individual’s freedom. According to this sociological perspective, there is a belief that the government is important in protecting its citizens from harm (Lawler,2015). Liberals also recognize that the government is capable of posing a threat to an individual’s liberty. A system is then devised in the government to protect individuals and prevent abuse of power.
This perspective relates to a message in a piece where, according to the author, the government shows interest and willingness to legalize a substance that is harmful to health (Ehrlich & Ziegert, 2017). In as much the government is supposed to give freedom to is citizens, it is ridiculous that it is even allowing people to openly advertise on billboards about the sale of Marijuana.The government shows interest in the tax revenue that will be gotten at the expense of the success and health of its citizens as the one sold illegally evades tax.
- My Thoughts on the Issue and More
My thought on the issue at hand is that the government should be a bit more careful and should take the topic with the seriousness it deserves. The idea that Marijuana is linked to health problems such lung changes, memory loss and slow coordination among others should incite people to disagree with the intention of legalization. Although people use it for recreation due to the relaxion effect is has when one gets ‘high’, it is not safe at all (Rezkalla & Kloner,2018). There is a threat on the well being of the children as there is a possibility that dispensaries will be opened to facilitate the sale of Marijuana, and the sellers could be insensitive enough to sell to the underage. I think that making the drug legal could even lead to slow economic growth in Canada. This is due to the impact that it will have in the workplace. The legalization will not only affect the future but also the long-kept culture. In as much as Grissom in his newspaper states that the profit made out of illegal sales would help in control, it will affect the people already using as they will become addicted and there will be an increase in crime rates. People under the influence of marijuana are more likely to start a fight rather than opt for conflict resolution when faced be misunderstandings. I do not find it right to assume that when people spoke at the comfort of their home, they will not cause any problems. Although it will significantly reduce the stigmatization that the users of Marijuana undergo, it will not care about the adverse health problems and the short-term problems such our memory loss. Memory loss affects performance. Individuals performing their roles under the influence of Marijuana are prone to causing accidents and destroying machines. The sad news is that they will not stand a chance of being sued as their accidents will be linked to the use of a legal drug
I strongly agree with the author that Marijuana will have damaged Canada in a way that will be difficult to control in the near future. This is because doctors have not failed in their jobs to remind the people of the health risks of the drug (Rezkalla & Kloner,2018). According to the article, business owners stand a risk of making losses. The author clearly states of the problems that are most likely to accompany legalization of the drug. Among them being drop outs which will place the future of Canada at stake. The government of Canada is selfish to say that the action is aimed at protecting the children. This is criminal as pressure on the youth will be increased as they will be offered market shares. Addiction often makes people depend on the drug and they find it hard to stay without. Among the people taken to rehabilitation centres to control their dependence on the drug, a higher percentage of them are the young people below 21 years. This adds up to 45 percent. When bracket is on the young adults aged 24 and below, their population is represented by 55 percent (Rezkalla & Kloner,2018). It would therefore be fair enough to make the young people aware of the dangers that await them instead of asking them to blindly support the campaigns on decriminalization. We have also witnessed many deaths out of traffic accidents caused by drivers under the influence of Marijuana. My urge would, therefore, be to encourage control, detoxify and restore the lives of the youths already affected.
To remedy this situation, there is a need for action by the citizens and the government as well. Justified by the threats and the risks the country is exposing itself to, policies against sale and use of the drug should be formulated and implemented. To achieve this, citizens should be educated on the benefits of healthy living and made aware of the long-term side effects of this dangerous drug. To further achieve this, movements of antilegalization should be formed whose role will be to educate people and win as many as possible into opposing the idea. Programs should be initiated in the media, for example, the televisions and the radio, where the citizens will daily be reminded of the consequences of their choice, should they agree to the government’s wish to legalize Marijuana.
- My sociological perspective
My perspective on the issue of legalization of Marijuana in Canada is similar to that of the author, and so is my sociological perspective. As discussed earlier, Sociological liberals have their theory centered on the state (Lawler,2015). In my opinion I have focused more on the relationships between organizations and between people of the country at large. I have shown the role that the government should play in ensuring that the actions taken are for the best interest of the nation. The view by the government hat it will generate revenue on the taxes imposed on the sale of Marijuana is selfish. The liberal perspective shows how the government can be evil. It is using its powers for its gains. It does not consider the habits that will be possessed by the already users of the drug. According to the government, they aim to keep more citizens out of jail hence promoting family unity. My view fits in the liberal perspective as it shows how the government is participating in giving its citizens freedom. Its willingness to accept the opinions and behaviors of a few officials. There is an argument that the government does not have enough jails to keep all the lawbreakers of Marijuana. As such they view that they will have saved the country the expense of the court process which happens on the lawbreakers before they are jailed. It will also keep them the amount of money used on lawyers. Coming to think of it, why would the government allow certain crimes? It is clear that their opinion on legalization is purely because of the promised gains promised through the taxation. We could, therefore, conclude that people should stand out and rebel Marijuana. As such, the future of Canada will not be at considerable risk as it would have been.
References
Lawler, S. (2015). Identity: sociological perspectives. John Wiley & Sons.
Rezkalla, S., & Kloner, R. A. (2018). Cardiovascular effects of Marijuana. Trends in cardiovascular medicine.
Hajizadeh, M. (2016). Legalizing and regulating Marijuana in Canada: a review of potential economic, social, and health impacts. International journal of health policy and management, 5(8), 453.
Ehrlich, E., & Ziegert, K. A. (2017). Fundamental principles of the sociology of law. Routledge.