Europe vs Asia: Different attitudes to cannabis
In Europe, the legalization of Cannabis is still something that hasn't been agreed upon by the leaders. Unlike in the US where some states have legalized marijuana, European country laws cannot easily be changed by voters' initiative. Activists have been trying to lobby politicians and media outlets to let them see the relevance of this change. Does this mean that cannabis is not consumed in European countries? The answer is no, people continue smoking it behind the back of the government laws. The herb continues to circulate in the black market and people who want it can easily get it in the streets of any city.
Some Countries in Europe Have Tried to Legalize Cannabis
Luxembourg, was the first country that wanted to legalize the herb. Xavier Bettel announced that the three parties that were to be in government were to legalize marijuana. The condition was that the marijuana was to be consumed by adults and ensure no underage was to consume it. The Netherlands decriminalized cannabis and people are now living freely smoking it when they feel like they need it and can detox using Toxin Rid 10-day program, as described in the review below:
Although it is officially still illegal, you cannot be arrested if you are found selling small quantities of the herb in the Netherlands. Other countries that have reached near legalizing Cannabis include Germany, Switzerland, and Spain.
Attitudes of Europe to Cannabis
The bone of contention behind refusing to legalize cannabis is the fear of addiction among small children. Many countries in Europe view marijuana as one of the most addictive substances and it is also a cause of violence among people. The government doesn’t don’t want to perpetuate anarchic situations. Thievery will increase, criminal activities and substance abuse will also go up if people are left to consume this narcotic cannabis. The medicinal aspect of cannabis has not been appreciated in Europe so legalizing it is not something that is recommended by the leaders.
Cannabis Attitudes in Asia
Unlike Europe, Most Asian countries have legalized cannabis. They have seen it is important to do research to prove the medicinal aspect of cannabis. As a result, a country like Singapore donated $18 million to fund research on Cannabis. Many countries have already legalized it except for the fact that it is supposed to be used under prescription not recreational. In Malaysia, there is a death penalty if you are with more than 200g of marijuana, in Indonesia drug trafficking can lead to a death penalty, and in Singapore, there is a warrant of arrest if you are with more than 500g of cannabis.
Thailand, South Korea, and Japan legalized marijuana consumption and people who are not underage can start using the product. These countries did intensive research and realized that cannabis is not harmful if consumed on average quantities. The medicinal aspect of it was also researched and now doctors in those countries can prescribe medicinal marijuana if it is for the benefit of the patient. Pain, anxiety, and depression are some of the conditions in which doctors can prescribe cannabis.
Conclusion
While Europe views cannabis as a harmful herb, they should also understand that it is in the streets circulating. That is more dangerous because its consumption is not regulated, and people buy any quantity from the black market. In Asia consumption of cannabis is regulated and addiction is low due to the fact that most countries have legalized cannabis. You cannot carry large amounts of cannabis unless you want a death sentence to befall you. Owing to these regulations, people use them but in small quantities. Even those who sell it are not supposed to have a lot of cannabis in their stores. With the legalization of cannabis, more money is collected by the government in the form of taxes.
