Perspectives on Cannabis Legalization Among Canadian Recreational Users

Abstract

This article examines the perspectives of a select group of 41 adult Canadian cannabis users on the decriminalization and legalization of cannabis. The research departs from previous research on cannabis use by focusing on employed adults working in a variety of occupations, including white-collar professionals and graduate students, who use cannabis for nonmedical, recreational purposes. Drawing on in-depth interview data, we explore their perspectives on Canadian law and legal policy and on the possible impact of cannabis reform policies on their own cannabis consumption. Overall, the vast majority of interview participants strongly favored the legalization of cannabis use for the following reasons: (a) prohibition is unjust, (b) economic benefits, (c) reducing violent crime associated with the drug trade, (d) reducing the cost of the criminal justice system, (e) increased safety, and (f) reducing the stigma associated with cannabis use. We conclude by discussing the implications of our research for the literature on cannabis normalization and drug policy reform.