Using diagrams and an example, define what is meant by the term "negative externality of consumption". List two policies that can be used to correct for this market failure.

Cannabis is a demerit good, which is defined as goods that are socially undesirable and have negative externalities; therefore the MPB of consumption is greater than the MSB. In a free market, cannabis is over consumed at Qp. The amount of negative externality, defined as a cost that is suffered by a third party as a result of an economic transaction, is indicated on the diagram 1 as the difference between the MPB and MSB curves, whilst the shaded triangle shows welfare loss. Qp is greater than Qs, leading to market failure, which occurs when the market fails to deliver an efficient or optimal allocation of resources. The government aims to shift the MPC curve leftwards until the point where MSB = MSC, reaching the socially optimum level of output at Qs. They can do this through several policies: taxation (which shifts the supply curve upwards by the amount of the tax) and negative advertising (which decreases the demand for cannabis).

AF
Answered by Alexander F. Economics tutor

3560 Views

See similar Economics IB tutors

Related Economics IB answers

All answers ▸

How might an increase in average income levels affect the average price level?


A government decides to Impose an indirect tax on fast food. Discuss the effects for the stakeholders in these markets.


explain how price act as a signal to consumer and producer?


What are positive externalities of consumption? Explain with a diagram and give an example.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning