When most think of marijuana, it is often associated with criminal acts and is widely accepted as a malicious substance. This is true to some extent, but this ignores its many health benefits and potential economic impact. For several years, the legalization of marijuana has been a hotly debated subject across Canada. Public opinion is divided on whether the practice should be legalized or decriminalized. A Forum Poll survey of 1,189 Canadians aged 18 and older found that more than two-thirds (69%) favored either decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana (34%) or legalizing and pure and simple taxation (35%) (Forum Research). . Canada ranks fifth in the world for marijuana use, but first among industrialized countries. 16% of people aged 15 and over admitted to regular marijuana use (Fox News). While the decision to legalize marijuana may be controversial, its use should be allowed due to its health benefits, its importance to certain religious groups and the much-needed boost it will provide to the Canadian economy. Although most people think of marijuana as a harmful, sinister medicine, it actually has many health benefits. Cannabis (the medical term for marijuana) has been proven to help reduce blood pressure, treat glaucoma, and even inhibit the growth of cancer. Many studies have shown that the cannabinoids in marijuana act as a pain reliever, helping patients cope with treatments such as chemotherapy. The harmful effects of marijuana are much less severe than those of alcohol and tobacco, which seriously damage the liver and lungs, respectively. Unlike alcohol or other drugs such as cocaine, it is almost impossible to overdose on marijuana, due to the amount you would experience... middle of paper ...... parties support the legalization of marijuana. The Liberal Party which wants to legalize and regulate the consumption of marijuana and the New Democrats which supports the decriminalization of marijuana under Thomas Mulcair. Speaking in Kelowna, British Columbia, “I'm actually not in favor of decriminalizing marijuana. I am in favor of its legalization. Tax it, regulate it. This is one of the only ways to keep this out of the hands of our children, because the current war on drugs, the current model, is not working. We need to use evidence and science to make sure we move forward in this direction. » declares Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party (National Pot). Not only do some politicians support legalization, but thousands of Canadians are gathering on Parliament Hill and as many more are gathering in cities across Canada to mark the event known as 4/20, the annual rally for legalization of marijuana (CBC News).