Are cannabis stores a good thing for society?
Readers Question: (Name changed for privacy)
Posted on March 29th, 2023 - Last updated: November 20th, 2023
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Dear Stanton,
I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions about the prevalence of cannabis stores.
I disagree with the point of view often expressed that says “legal” = “benign”.
Just interested in you (and Zach’s) thoughts on cost/benefit and so forth.
Joe
Hi Joe,
Zach and I have addressed a similar question about drug consumption sites. Some people who follow us ask, “Isn’t it against your approach for people solely to pursue drug use? Shouldn’t they also be engaged in constructive activities?” We agree wholeheartedly, and have proposed creating “prosocial drug sites.”
I have likewise written about the need to encourage people to consume marijuana in socially responsible ways. Just the same as drinking alcohol can be done, cannabis can be consumed in a convivial, respectful manner or in an opposite way. Based on this framework, Archie Brodsky and I constructed a list of “Guidelines for Sensible Cannabis Use.”
Legalization and regulation have a number of well known community-wide benefits including quality control, crime reduction and the generation of tax revenue.
But most importantly, it encourages personal agency, drug purity, and safety.
Dr. Stanton Peele, recognized as one of the world's leading addiction experts, developed the Life Process Program after decades of research, writing, and treatment about and for people with addictions. Dr. Peele is the author of 14 books. His work has been published in leading professional journals and popular publications around the globe.
