5 people turn to drugs?” Yet, as I researched this topic further, I realized that it is also important to look at the social backgrounds that create situations where people feel they have no choice but to rely on drugs. In Japan, while overdoses of over-the-counter drugs among minors have become a major concern, in Canada, the social consequences following cannabis legalization have drawn attention. This made me interested in how different countries shape their responses and regulations around drug issues. Therefore, in this paper, I will examine the current situation and characteristics of drug problems in Japan and Canada, and consider the ways in which their policies and cultural attitudes differ.Figure 1: Marijuana Recent surveys revealed that approximately one in 55 middle school students in Japan misuse over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and this has been highlighted in news articles as a growing social problem. The substances they used were familiar medicines such as cold remedies and painkillers that all of us have likely taken at some point. At first glance, the term “drug abuse” may make many people think of illegal substances such as cannabis in the Japanese context. However, in reality, it is not uncommon for misuse to begin with easily accessible medicines sold at pharmacies, and research has shown that even these familiar drugs, when used improperly, can lead to overdose.When I lived in Japan, I was aware of the risks of drugs, but I felt they had little to do with my own life. After coming to Canada, however, where cannabis is legal, I began to see people using it openly on the streets, which made me think more seriously about drug issues. From my own perspective, I often wondered, “If it is clearly harmful to the body, why do Source: Poison Control, “Marijuana: Risks and Effects”Yume Kurokawa1. Contemporary Drug Issues in Japan Seen Through Middle School Overdoses University of Tronto, CanadaYouth and Substance Use —A Comparison of Drug Issues in Japan and Canada
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