Article Analysis Essay on Quebec Raises Legal Age For Cannabis From 18 To 21

Introduction

The article by Amy Luft from the Digital report discusses one of the heavily debatable topics that has received mixed reactions concerning the raising of the age limit of cannabis possession or buying in Canada. The article discusses the new regulations to be implemented as from the first of January 2020, the author argues on the side effects on the cognitive development of young adults, and how cannabis affects their judgment.

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Canada made history by legalizing Cannabis for recreational purposes, which has remained to be a contested debate on the legal age limit to allow buying of possessing the drug. Despite the recreational legalization, cannabis was first legalized in the nation for medicinal purposes, under the stipulated regulations outlined in the Access to Cannabis for Medicinal Purpose Regulations (ACMPR). However, since the legalization for recreational purposes, the nation has received numerous debates concerning the right age to buy or possess cannabis. As (Luft), observes, the debate regarding the right age to possess or purchase marijuana, despite the legalization of the drug, remains to be a critical challenge, as it has attracted both privet and public organizations to debate about the matter. However, it is clear that with the increased consumption of cannabis in the nation, consequences regarding the use of the drug should be drowned into the conclusion (Wilkinson et al., 453). As a way of curbing this concept, it is essential to consider the age factor of the buyers to the age of twenty-one, as a restrictive measure. The essay will critically elucidate the essence of raising the age of buying or possessing cannabis to the age of twenty-one years. Some of the notable side effects of marijuana that are come to be relevant with the issue of legalization of marijuana include intoxication on driving abilities, relationship between marijuana and opioid use, and if use of marijuana results to higher health issues (Wilkinson et al., 458).

Considering the side effects and higher consumption of Cannabis it is essential to factor the issues that it affects health, increases crime and judgement impairment and finally safety. The central concept and reasons behind the upping of the age limit by Quebec lie on poor decision making by the teenagers (Wilkinson et al., 459). The side effects of Cannabis are by far visible amongst the broader society, as the issue of poor decision making and judgment among the youths keep on raising.

On the contrary, juveniles engaging in crime in Canada are motivated by the increase in the availability of drugs in the street. The government has been on the war with the backdoor cannabis business, which is slowly affecting the teenagers in the nation. Nearly all convicted juveniles between the age of sixteen and seventeen years of age are said to have used Cannabis once or twice in their lifetime (Luft). As a result, the motive behind their crimes was fueled by peer pressure or the excessive consumption of cannabis, which led to poor decision making. Additionally, the use of marijuana by teenagers raises the question regarding the safety issues in society and the neighboring community.

The government adopted the Bill to raise the legal age of using marijuana from 18 to 21 by the beginning of January 2020, as a measure towards protecting the young. The legalization of cannabis has brought about different regulations towards the companies involved in distributing, growing, and packaging for sale. Each company is restricted to the involvement or sponsoring any sporting activity. More so, the companies are restricted from advertising the drug through billboards, magazines, and most importantly on the television. Through this, it is clear that the nation has not yet accepted the legalization of cannabis to be consumed by the underage (Wilkinson et al., 457). Additionally, the raising of the age limit provides room for developing critical judgment and development in the cognitive behaviors of a person.

Among the benefits of raising the age limit of accessing and using cannabis, is linked with the limitation of drug's adverse effects. The expose of marijuana to the young is harmful, especially when it is consumed in larger quantities. The diverse effects slowly develop, as the higher consumption increases. Marijuana negatively affects the development of the brain, especially to teenagers and small children, who are yet on the development. Through this, exposure of cannabis to the teenagers possess a higher risk, especially considering the impairing of mental development.

There is mounting evidence concerning the side effects of marijuana on the cognitive behaviors of teenagers and children. Additionally, in nations where the minimum age limit for alcohol consumption is set to twenty-one, children and teenagers are likely not to consume it. More so, there are limited chances of exposing children and teenagers to alcohol consumption. Through this, cognitive behaviors of teenagers and children, are not questions, since there is no evidence of alcohol consumption. As a result, it is essential for Canada as a nation to adopt this concept as a way of limiting the access of marijuana to the underage, to help children and teenagers develop excellent cognitive behaviors.

In the bottom line, cognitive behavior and mental judgment are heavily influenced by drugs, which ought to be controlled. The raising of age limit concerning the possessing or buying of cannabis is an essential step in reducing the possibilities of teenagers indulging in the consumption of marijuana. More so, the raising of the age limit will reduce the illegal black-market business, which is out of the government's control. In conclusion, I support the Canadian's government new Bill on raising the age limit from eighteen to twenty-one years as the legal age to buy or possess cannabis.

Works Cited

Luft, Amy. "Quebec Raises Legal Age For Cannabis From 18 To 21". Montreal, 2019, https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/quebec-raises-legal-age-for-cannabis-from-18-to-21-1.4661092. Accessed 7 Jan 2020.

Wilkinson, Samuel T., et al. "Marijuana Legalization: Impact on Physicians and Public Health." Annual Review of Medicine, vol. 67, Jan. 2016, pp. 453-466. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1146/annurev-med-050214-013454.