Within the realm of civilization, the use of substances has been prevalent throughout the world. Currently, the use and control of the numerous substances is vastly different in countries worldwide. For example, Drug Policy Alliance (2015) illustrated how Portugal enacted legislation to decriminalization the possession of all drugs. Whereas, other countries have much stricter policies in place to restrict the use and possession of a wide variety of substances. Similarly, over the years Canada has enacted and repelled numerous legislations within the criminal code, which identifies what rules and penalties are associated with these substances. These restrictions are established within the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and outline the current …show more content…
Alcohol is one of these substances that has been legal for many years, which cause immense negative influences, yet seems to be disregarded or overlooked. Marijuana can produce some negative impacts on society, however, alcohol has and will continue to producer immense disadvantages on individuals and society in comparison to marijuana. To determine this notion, further research into the negative influences alcohol has on society, through crimes, individual impacts, and financial burden in comparison to …show more content…
For example, the legal drinking age is determined by the province, such as 18 years old within Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, whereas 19 years old in all other provinces (Canadian Centre of Substance Abuse, 2017). When looking at offences associated with alcohol, they can fall under both provincial and federal legislation depending on the nature of the offence. However, given its current state, alcohol for individuals who meet the legal drinking age is currently and has been a legal substance for almost a