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Abstract
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INTRODUCTION: Cannabis is probably the most commonly used illicit drug. It is often regarded as a relatively nonharmful experience, even though evidence points otherwise. Non-medical cannabis legalization, already applied in several countries, is currently a controversial issue. AIMS: To provide an updated overview of current models, policies and their outcomes that can inform future political decisions regarding cannabis non-medical use.
METHODS: Article search in scientific databases PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar: articles written in English, Spanish and Portuguese, published between 1990 and December/2020. These articles references were similarly used as bibliography source. Gray literature was also included.
RESULTS: While non-medical cannabis has been decriminalized in many countries, its legalization has only taken place in Uruguay, Canada and some USA states. Several legalization benefits were identified: decreases in cannabis-related and general drug combat law and criminal costs; reduction in synthetic cannabis supply; decline in black economies and possible decrease in other illegal drug buying; and tax revenue increases. Reported legalization problems included: increase of cannabis use, cannabis-related disorders, accidents and hospitalizations. Harm reduction strategies are available in scientific literature.
CONCLUSION: Growing, yet incomplete, evidence exists to guide policy makers minimize cannabis-related harm and positively contribute to public health, if the legalization path is to be followed. Dialogues between legislators and science ought to be encouraged. There are more than a few legalization pathways, with diverse economic, social and health wellbeing influence. Public health-driven, instead of profit-driven models, seem to be gathering the most benefits regarding non-medical cannabis legalization. Most of the true public health effects of cannabis legalisation is still unknown, for we are yet in the early ages of these policies and their implications. Future studies should address the medium/long term social, economic and health consequences of legalization policies.
Language: en |