Desecuritization in Progress? Dilemmas of Cannabis Legalization in Canada (2018-2023)

• Grant number: 23/15099-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Political Science - International Politics
• Principal Investigator: Paulo José dos Reis Pereira
• Grantee: Allana Facchini da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Sociais. Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Just over a decade ago, through cannabis legalization processes, we have witnessed changes in drug policies occurring in various parts of the world, especially in the Americas. Considering the centrality of the security aspect and the long process of securitization of psychoactive substances, this investigation aims to analyze whether the process of cannabis legalization in Canada, interpreted in light of the formulations of securitization theory, has led to a desecuritization movement of this psychoactive substance. Based on a qualitative, historical-documentary, and deductive methodology, this investigation will combine research techniques that encompass case studies and process tracing. Through the analysis of primary sources (bill proposals, laws, resolutions, and reports) and secondary sources (books, theses, dissertations, and articles), the hypothesis will be explored that while the country has shown signs of moving towards desecuritization of the issue, securitizing measures and practices continue to be perpetuated. In our view, this is a gradual process, and we seek to qualify this gradation. This research, finally, has the potential to contribute to understanding the complex dynamics between legalization and securitization in the context of drug policies, providing insights into how legal transformations can impact security, governance, and public policies related to drugs. (AU)