Noor Alqadhi

Winter 2024 Capstone Project Title: Weeding Out Harm: Examining the Health, Safety, and Well-being Implications of Recreational Cannabis Legalization and Commercialization in Canada

Project Description: My project explored the implications of recreational cannabis legalization in Canada. While the legislation was established with an aim to prioritise public health, I investigated my concerns regarding the fiscal incentives that the government and private enterprises have for retail cannabis products. I assessed challenges within the current legislation framework, including rising consumption, normalisation of use, disparities in representations within the industry and research, and concentrations of retailers in marginalised neighbourhoods, among other issues. I concluded that the current cannabis market and regulations require reevaluation to realign with the initial public health and safety objectives of the Cannabis Act.

The 1C06 Capstone experience: As a young person living in Canada during the era of cannabis legalization, I chose this topic because I’ve observed how the increased accessibility of cannabis has led to increased consumption and normalization among my peers as well as within my community. With cannabis retailers seemingly on every corner, it has become more appealing and accessible, especially among young people. This normalization has altered many people’s perceptions of cannabis, both positively and negatively. I was interested in exploring how legalization has changed societal attitudes towards cannabis and examining whether this shift in mindset has had beneficial or harmful effects on the welfare of Canadians. My experience investigating this topic has been very eye-opening as it broadened my perspective on how policies can shape communities along with influencing individual and societal well-being. It has encouraged me to approach issues with a more nuanced perspective, as well as inspiring me to continue to critically examine the systems around me.

Key Takeaways: The main takeaways from my capstone project include a profound recognition of the multifaceted nature of social issues and the nuanced perspective required when confronting them. This experience has enhanced my academic research skills and ability to critically analyze information. By immersing myself in the complexities of cannabis legislation, I have gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of real-world issues.

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