By Luke Gaudois
We are nearing half a billion people in the world who can access legalised cannabis; legalisation may be viewed as inevitable for many countries. It could be argued that since the privatisation of cannabis sales, there has been excessive commercialisation. In this context, commercialisation is an illicit good being legalised and handed to the private sector which will in turn commodify it and look to extracting as much value as possible from its sale.
Which in turn increases the exposure of cannabis to those of all ages. This especially concerns minors, with up to 23% of recreational stores selling to underage customers. Furthermore, commercialisation may have contributed towards a growing perception that minimises the negative effects of cannabis. All of this illustrates the challenges in the free market model for cannabis: by allowing the profit incentive into the cannabis market, profits are put over public health and safety.
So, in my opinion, the question naturally arises if or when cannabis is legalised, how can governments implement effective and safe policies. I strongly believe that if legislation were to be introduced, it should prioritise a nation’s health over profit.
Many countries have realised that over-commercialisation caused by the private sectors need to maximise profits through the sale of cannabis. This model fails to deliver on promises made when pushing for legislation. Marketing plays a key role in this, as can be seen in previous attempts to limit and regulate the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Cannabis should follow a strict zero marketing policy and be sold in child-proof packaging similar to pharmaceuticals with clear safety and content information. In addition, permitted smoking locations should mirror alcohol and tobacco laws and be prohibited from certain areas, such as hospitals, schools, and even some public places. Managing the community’s needs should be a key priority when opening distributors, which should be government-run vendors similar to pharmacies. Cannabis storefronts should be barred from areas nearby schools and other locations in which minors are concentrated, with communities being able to veto the opening of cannabis distributors in their neighbourhoods.
The content and potency of cannabis products should be strictly regulated for both environmental reasons and public health. Ensuring safe consumption decreases many negative externalities, such as hospitalisations and overall health risks. Additionally, managing supply and demand preempts a black market from arising. Sales of cannabis should be heavily regulated through mandatory ID checks and recording of purchases, which, coupled with sales rationing, helps fight against the illegal drug market and youth consumption. A balance must be struck between discouraging use through higher prices and eliminating illicit sales that try to circumvent government distribution through lower prices.
Furthermore, eliminating the black market can aid in reducing illicit sales and address aligned issues such as human trafficking and violent crime. Reducing illicit sales also allows governments to direct profits made off cannabis into rehabilitation facilities and effective anti-drug campaigns within society, both targeted at youth and adults. As alcohol and tobacco are legalised but can lead to physical and mental health issues and anti-social behaviour, tackling drug use in society must be a priority.
As we have learnt through attempts to limit tobacco and alcohol consumption, once a substance becomes ingrained in the culture, it is nigh on impossible to limit use. So by remaining cautious throughout the legalisation and implementation phases, governments can move at their own pace whilst avoiding the need to backtrack and lose face. Transparency and accountability are key to this process and must be reflected with a clear legal and scientific basis for policy decisions and launches. How can the people trust the government to protect their communities’ health when profits are a key driving factor for legalisation? As citizens of any nation, holding our governments accountable and demanding safe and just policy must be at the forefront of our national conscience.
There is no perfect solution to drugs, and I believe that nationalisation will not be a complete remedy for the misuse of cannabis. As countries move towards legalisation, an approach must be taken that prioritises the health of its people. As seen in the 40-plus countries that have already legalised cannabis, this is a rapidly growing market and has opened up job opportunities and revenue that is tempting to push for over-commercialisation. I would argue that the priority in policy should always be overall public health, and by taking commercial influences out of the marijuana industry, governments can legalise cannabis in a controlled and safe manner.