“Nearly two in 10 Canadians reported using marijuana in the past year, but more than 30% of respondents said they would do so in the next year if it were legal" (Evans, 2015) In recent years many people have expressed their opinions on why marijuana should be legal in Canada. It has been one of the most debated topics in Canada and in recent years many have been in support of legalization,” on 59. % - supports new laws that would legalize, tax, and regulate the recreational use of marijuana in some conditions" (Evans, 2015). . Just last year, in the Canadian elections, the population elected Justin Trudeau Prime Minister, with one of his priorities is to legalize marijuana in the country. Most Canadians have strongly supported this idea. Legalizing marijuana may be the popular opinion in Canada, however there are too many risks that prohibit it to make it truly beneficial to society. complex. Due to the health risks, social and public relations risks, and overall impact on younger generations, marijuana legalization has more disadvantages than benefits and therefore should remain illegal in Canada. Mental illness is a very serious problem that affects many people. all over the world. Cannabis use increases the likelihood of developing a mental illness and creates difficulties for those who already have one. Specifically, cannabis use further increases the risk of depression, “young women [with] this level of use [were] associated with five times the odds of depression and anxiety found in non-users” (Pattron et al., 2002). If marijuana were legalized for recreational use, usage would increase across the country. However, with increased use the risk... half the paper... cation. The substance acts as a barrier to learning for students since by taking the drug they will not reach their full potential. All these disadvantages make legalization too much of a risk for society. Marijuana's negative influence on the lives of adults and adolescents makes it more of a threat than a help to society as a whole. There are still many unknown facts about the drug, but I urge the Canadian government to wait until further studies demonstrate that it poses minimal threat to human health and safety. Until more concrete facts are shown, marijuana should remain illegal in Canada to be on the safe side. Nonetheless, marijuana legalization is a topic that will be discussed for many years to come and will likely never have one hundred percent of the people on the same side. However, at this time, with the problems it has on young people, human health and public safety, it makes no sense to legalize marijuana.