Many countries all over the world are still quite suspicious and hesitant when it comes to legalizing cannabis. Luckily, Canada is not one of them. At least, not anymore. Two years ago, its government decided to legalize this plant for recreational use.

Was it easy? No. Although these days, marijuana is used by many in this country, it is safe to say that it was anything but a comfortable journey. Today, the leaf of this herb can be seen anywhere you go. As we mentioned in the beginning, this wasn't something that occurred overnight. It took some time to change people's minds and convince them that this plant can do no harm and isn't dangerous, like many other drugs.

The Beginning

To better understand everything, Canada tried focusing on three significant outcomes regarding legalization: protecting younger people, education/protection of Public Health, and decreasing market-related crime.

At first, many smaller cannabis dispensaries stopped working because they didn't have the list supposed to be regularized by the government before they were permitted to sell it legally. That's why many countries today are still avoiding decriminalization. On the other hand, some dispensaries were somehow able to change things and start selling this plant as soon as it was legalized.

How Have Legalization Changed Things?

Starting Fresh

This change allowed people to start from scratch. Now, what's strange about this whole situation is that people from this country still do not talk about it as much as they were supposed to, considering that it's been two years since this entire thing occurred. No one can tell you why this is happening.

On a more positive note, legalization has empowered people to either grow their plant or purchase it at any Canadian online dispensary or any other store that sells it. They are not afraid anymore to do it. You can now see the smile on growers’ faces, who are usually thrilled to share their experiences and collaborate with others. They have fought hard for this because they were really passionate about it.

Teenagers

Once cannabis was legal, people expected positive changes to occur. No one expected an instant miracle, but at least an increase in use. Has it happened? Apparently not, especially when it comes to teenagers. According to some studies, approximately six percent of Canadians utilize cannabis every single day. Namely, this is a shocking fact because this number hasn't changed at all. The situation was the same before legalization happened.

Teenagers between the ages of fifteen and seventeen are using it less than before. The use of this plant has actually been cut in half. On the other hand, thirty-three percent of young adults between the ages of eighteen to twenty-four utilize it frequently. Compared to previous years, the situation remains unchanged.

The Research On This Plant

Most cannabis retailers that have managed to obtain the license are doing their best to try to educate as many people as they can, even today. Usually, they are talking about the numerous marijuana products and how excellent and beneficial they may be. And not just that. After legalization, many scientists, doctors, laboratories, and universities have conducted different studies to comprehend its medical and scientific advantages. Now, this would have never been possible without those people who have tried to raise cannabis awareness and, of course, the funding.

Economy And Business

This year may not seem promising to the rest of the world due to the pandemic. However, Canada has experienced a significant improvement when it comes to the economy. Namely, this country has sent a report to the UN, stating that the legalization of cannabis has led to a thirty percent decrease in felony crimes.

Therefore, two million dollars has been put directly into the economy of this country. Before, many people thought that once this plant was legalized, it would lead to increased consumption. Well, that didn't occur. More and more people perceive cannabis as a useful tool to treat many health-related issues, and there is less and less stigma about it.

These two years seem to bring some outstanding results for changing the population’s mindset. What about business? Currently, it is thriving. According to some resources, this plant is bringing billions and billions of dollars. Many experts are claiming that the total sale for this year will be approximately a staggering three billion!

Any Room For Improvement?

Of course, there’s always some room for improvement, just like in any other aspect of life. For instance, at the beginning of this process, only the ones who were rich and had enough capital were allowed to be the main participants in this type of market. At first, that was okay, but it's time to change this and enable the "smaller" players to be part of it too! The positive thing about the legalization is that more and more micro-growers have decided to join in, and that's always a positive change.

Obviously, people have become extremely passionate about this whole thing and are yearning to make different products that would contain this plant, such as coffee, chocolate bars, snacks, etc. And who could blame them?! Passion is an important part of every job, no matter what you're trying to make or sell. It helps you create a deeper connection with potential consumers. Now, let's not forget another important thing - being eco friendly.

Products from numerous industries are starting to become more sustainable; hence, it would be great if people who are selling items that contain cannabis followed in their footsteps. Luckily, these days we have all become witnesses of fantastic inventions and high-quality packaging.

Now, these past two years since Canada has legalized cannabis were nowhere near easy. This country was one of the first ones that have decided to take this step and show the rest of the world how important this is.

It has shown that this plant can be customarily produced, consumed, and sold. It has done a really good job, especially when we consider that it practically didn't have any role models when it comes to this. As this industry evolves, all of us will be able to determine what needs to be enhanced and what is doing perfectly well.