Global health. The current scenario and future perspectives

221 n. d.) on trends, both nationally and for all states, and it can be observed that the trends are very similar between states that have legalized marijuana and those that have not. From this information, several elements of judgment can be deduced. First, it should be noted that there are no evident changes at the adolescent population level. Second, in those areas where an increase is detected after legalization, it can be observed that, in most cases, this increase occurs prior to the legislative change. Thirdly, there have also been increases in drug use, particularly marijuana use, in territorial spaces where the current model is maintained. Information about marijuana consumption is just one aspect of the problem: the legalization or regulatory framework of marijuana also has other dimensions that must be observed and evaluated. For example, potential impacts on other areas of health, in security and drug trafficking and governance as well as in an economic and justice dimensions. But these impacts should concern us not only in places where a change has taken place but also where the current model is maintained. The dilemma we face is not legalization versus the non-existence of drugs, but rather a new regulatory framework versus the current model, in the context of a market that exists, whether we like it or not . How do we move forward on these issues? Until a decade ago, no evidence existed as to what could happen if we abandoned the current prohibition model and moved in another direction. However, as mentioned earlier, there is not a single experience with legalization models. Each territory has made different decisions regarding various dimensions of the problem so each one must be evaluated based on its own reality. It is certainly still premature to draw categorical conclusions. However, it seems fair, and in the right direction, to monitor different aspects within each space, but not only in those territories. The same should be done in places where current legislation predominates. This requires creating a rational and informed dialogue, where evidence prevails over prejudices, with the aim of generating the best public policies in this matter. In relation to this, it is interesting to recall a quote from Domingo Comas (Comas, 2014): “Professionals must know that at this historical moment we have a clear notion of scientific evidence and therefore they must assume that being guided by scientific evidence, especially when working with people, is an unavoidable ethical obligation.”. Challenges