The Long and Winding Road to Cannabis Legalization

CentER Discussion Paper Series No. 2011-126

17 Pages Posted: 30 Nov 2011

See all articles by Jan C. van Ours

Jan C. van Ours

Tilburg University - Department of Economics; University of Melbourne - Department of Economics

Date Written: November 30, 2011

Abstract

In almost all countries supply, distribution and use of cannabis is prohibited. Nevertheless, cannabis is the most popular illicit drug. Prohibition does not seem to work. The debate on legalization of cannabis is often emotional with strong views of both proponents and opponents but ignorance prevails. There are supposedly detrimental health effects of cannabis use but researchers debate whether they are causal or mere associations. As long as nowhere in the world cannabis is legalized it is difficult to get a clear idea about the effects of legalization. Rather than muddling through for several decades it would be wise to start moving on the long and winding road to cannabis legalization.

Keywords: cannabis use, effects of use, cannabis legalization

JEL Classification: I18, KI42

Suggested Citation

van Ours, Jan C., The Long and Winding Road to Cannabis Legalization (November 30, 2011). CentER Discussion Paper Series No. 2011-126, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1966437

Jan C. Van Ours (Contact Author)

Tilburg University - Department of Economics ( email )

P.O. Box 90153
Tilburg, 5000 LE
Netherlands
+31 13 466 2880 (Phone)
+31 13 466 3042 (Fax)

University of Melbourne - Department of Economics ( email )

Melbourne, 3010
Australia

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