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Some governments argue that criminalization increases harm rather than reducing it.  Public health experts often support regulation over punishment. The  BBC  reports that regulation can reduce unsafe use, while  AP News  notes that strict criminal penalties may discourage people from seeking help. This debate shows how law shapes public behavior and health outcomes. References (APA) BBC. (2024).  Public health approaches to cannabis .  https://www.bbc.com AP News. (2023).  Drug laws and public health .  https://apnews.com

Cannabis legalization raises challenges under international law.  Many countries signed United Nations drug treaties that classify cannabis as illegal. According to  The New York Times , some countries argue that public health goals justify legalization  despite treaty conflicts. The  UN Office on Drugs and Crime  reports ongoing debates about reforming  international drug laws.  This shows tension between global agreements and national decision-making. References (APA) The New York Times. (2021).  Cannabis and international law .  https://www.nytimes.com UNODC. (2022).  International drug control treaties . https://www.unodc.org

Legalization also affects courts and sentencing. Many governments are reviewing past cannabis convictions and removing criminal records. This matters because criminal records affect employment and education opportunities. According to  The  Marshall Project , expungement laws aim to address past injustices. However, the  BBC  reports that not  everyone has equal access to these legal remedies. Cannabis reform is not only about future law, but also about correcting past harm. References (APA) The Marshall Project. (2022).  Who benefits from expungement?   https://www.themarshallproject.org BBC. (2023).  Cannabis reform and criminal records .  https://www.bbc.com

Cannabis legalization changes how polices enforce the law. Officers must now distinguish between legal  and illegal possessions, which can be difficult in practice.  AP News  reports that police departments face confusion over search rules and enforcement standards.  The  New York Times  notes that while legalization has reduced low-level drug arrests, challenges remain,  especially regarding impaired driving. This highlights how law enforcement must adapt to changing laws. References (APA) AP News. (2022).  Police adapt to marijuana legalization . https://apnews.com The New York Times. (2023).  Legalization and policing challenges .  https://www.nytimes.com

 Legal cannabis has created new economic opportunities, including tax revenues and job creation. However, economic policy can also influence crime. According to  Investopedia, legal cannabis generates billions of dollars in tax revenue. At the same time,  the BBC reports that high taxes and strict regulations van keep illegal markets alive by making legal  products more expensive. this shows how economic decisions and criminal activity are closely connected. Reference (APA) Investopedia. (2024). Economic impact of legal cannabis.  https://www.investopedia.com BBC. (2023). Why illegal cannabis markets survive. https://www.bbc.com

Protecting young people is one of the strongest arguments in cannabis policy debates. Countries that legalize cannabis usually enforce strict age limits and penalties for selling to minors. I think this issue matters because youth protection is a central goal of criminal law. According to  The New York Times , legalization has not caused a dramatic rise in teen cannabis use, though concerns remain. Research from the  CDC  shows that early cannabis use may affect brain development, supporting strict regulations for minors. This demonstrates how cannabis laws attempt to balance personal freedom with public safety APA Citations Centers   for  Disease Control and Prevention . (n.d.). CDC.   https://www.cdc.gov