In recent years there has been a strong push towards the decriminalization of marijuana in Canada. Decriminalization refers to the act of removing criminal penalties, so that possession of marijuana and its use does not result in criminal prosecution. Currently, under Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, possession of marijuana (up to 30 grams) carries a penalty of 6 months in prison and a $1,000 fine for first offences, with penalties increasing for subsequent offences. (Canadian Criminal Code) Supporters of decriminalizing marijuana argue, however, that this places a huge burden on the legal system. More specifically, law enforcement expenditures on drugs and controlled substances are wasted and can be reallocated and distributed elsewhere. Furthermore, since possession of marijuana leads to criminal prosecution, law-abiding Canadian citizens who have no criminal record but have been prosecuted for simple possession would have difficulty finding employment among many other problems, which can impact society as a whole . This article will examine these topics in detail and conclude that, although decriminalization may bring some economic benefits, the economic costs have been underestimated. By decriminalizing the drug, the public will be encouraged to use it, resulting in an increase in both supply and demand, with none of the profits going to the government. Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau made headlines this year when he criticized the current stance on drugs. prohibition of marijuana and called for its end. Mr. Trudeau has commented publicly that he supports the legalization of marijuana and that he wants the government to “tax marijuana and regulate it [to] keep it out of the hands of… middle of paper… .health defects or for society as a whole. According to the simple supply and demand model, decriminalization will lead to an increase in consumption as well as an increase in supply. And since decriminalization does not lead to a government-regulated market, the black market will continue to profit without any of the benefits flowing back to the government. Furthermore, by decriminalizing marijuana, the government is sending the wrong message to society. For example, people who were reluctant to try it due to the legal risks involved would be curious enough to try it since the legal risks have been reduced to 0. And since the chemicals involved in marijuana are addictive, the user is not necessarily would make you stop consuming it immediately. Instead of decriminalization, the government should focus more on preventive measures rather than encouraging its consumption.