Negative issues outweigh benefits

On October 17, the Cannabis Act came in force and the crowd that gathered outside the Charlottetown store and the ensuing strong sales showed the vibrancy of this booming industry. This has also raised questions on the negative implications of the product and also the judicial framework behind it, especially when it has long been considered an insidious product.

Cannabinoids have been proven to be alternatives by numerous experts in the medical field. It can help treat chronic pain, cancer, muscle spasms, help improving appetite in HIV/AIDS and even be used treat certain cases of epilepsy. Experts are not completely convinced about integrating cannabinoids into the medical system. It is still into the hypothetical stage, undergoing experimentation in several countries such as Uruguay and Spain, and many debates lead to the conclusion that more research and intense experimentation should be done before putting it in the market.

Using cannabis recreationally as an antidepressant or simply just to feel the euphoria behind it could be dangerous. Studies show that it affects our mental health and it could cause psychosis leading to hallucinations and other mental problems, can boost depression, mess with the body’s natural gyroscope and block memory formation.

Legalizing it also makes it appear as a safe drug for youngsters who lack of awareness that overconsumption could trigger deadly consequences. Addiction could also lead to problems in the family life, budget issues and increase in the rate of delinquency.

Negative implications outweigh the positive benefits in the use of cannabis.

Prabhakar Bholah, UPEI Student