Abstract
Recently, the world has seen examples of the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes. Due to the diversity ofexperiences in progress, it is urgent to analyze the impacts of this legalization, from a public health perspective. Therefore, this article aimsto review the accumulated knowledge in the states and countries where the use of cannabis is legal and to ponder over the relevance ofstarting a similar path towards legalization in Portugal, thus supporting political decisions to be properly informed and evidence-based. An extensive literature review was performed using databases and scientific journals, such as PubMed, as wellas the search of institutional documentation, including the EMCDDA and SICAD. The gathered information provided insights and enabled assessment of (1) the acute and chronic effects of cannabis use onhealth, (2) the Portuguese situation related to cannabis and (3) the processes and lessons learned after the legalization of cannabis inother countries or states. Given the above, and according to the data presented, the authors argue for a safe and responsible strategytowards the legalization of cannabis use in Portugal. In accordance, a set of concrete proposals are presented. From a public health perspective, it is assumed that the interest of this proposal is to reduce the problematic use of cannabis,to effectively fight against illicit drug trafficking and drug-related crime, as well as health promotion and prevention of addictions andother adverse health impacts. This article reveals that the effects of legalization might, contrary to general beliefs, generate positiveresults with respect to these aims, given that there will be greater control on the market, price, quality, and information - to name a few - ifimplementation occurs with proper consideration and definition. The debate on the responsible and safe legalization of cannabis use in Portugal should be open and promoted, based on apublic health perspective.
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