The illegal sale and use of cannabis has long been a concern for lawmakers and public health officials. While Canada has legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, the sale and distribution of illegal cannabis continues to pose significant risks to public health and safety.

One of the most significant risks associated with illegal cannabis is the potential for adverse effects and other serious harms. Consuming illegal cannabis products can be dangerous because they may be contaminated with pesticides, bacteria, lead, and other harmful substances. In fact, testing of illegal cannabis products has found unacceptable levels of contaminants, including bacteria and heavy metals.

Another risk associated with illegal cannabis is the potential for fraud, identity theft, and other financial crimes. When individuals purchase illegal cannabis products online, they are putting their personal information in the hands of criminals. This can expose them to the risk of fraud, identity theft, and other financial crimes, which can have serious consequences for their financial well-being.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the products purchased from illegal online retailers will actually arrive. The retailer may not ship the products, or they may be interdicted by law enforcement. This leaves individuals who purchase illegal cannabis products online vulnerable to financial loss and other harms.

Organized crime groups also use the profits from illegal cannabis sales to support other criminal activities that harm our communities. The sale and distribution of illegal cannabis provides a source of funding for these groups, which can use the proceeds to engage in activities such as human trafficking, gun violence, and drug trafficking. This can have serious and lasting impacts on our communities, and it is important to take steps to combat the illegal sale and distribution of cannabis.

In conclusion, the illegal sale and use of cannabis poses significant risks to public health and safety. Consuming illegal cannabis products can lead to adverse effects and other serious harms and purchasing illegal cannabis products online exposes individuals to the risk of fraud, identity theft, and other financial crimes. Furthermore, the profits from illegal cannabis sales support organized crime groups and their harmful activities. It is important for lawmakers and public health officials to address the harm caused by illegal cannabis and take steps to reduce its sale and distribution.