The legalization of marijuana is a popular topic in the news because of the increasing number of states favoring the use of marijuana as cure for certain illnesses and diseases, as well as for recreational purposes. While some states have legalized its use, the citizenry is divided due to conflicting views on the subject. Legalizing marijuana means people will have easy access to it, thus, laws forbidding its use for any reasons are invaluable, while on the other hand, it sends a negative connotation to children about drug use.
For those pushing for the legalization of marijuana, they believe that “it is not worthwhile for a law to forbid people from willingly exposing their own bodies to harm by using drugs, any more than by overeating or bungee-jumping” (“Pros & Cons of Legalizing Marijuana”). As such, any law that the government mandates pertaining to marijuana use will only be for naught because people decide for themselves and determine which personal activities they will do or not. For instance, although people know that bungee-jumping could pose harm to themselves, people are still apt to go bungee-jumping for the thrill it brings despite warnings of governments about the possible accidents it could bring. In the same position, although obesity poses huge societal problems, the governments cannot impose on the people the amount of food an individual is allowed to consume (“Pros & Cons of Legalizing Marijuana”).
On the other hand, those who do not agree that marijuana should be legalized believe that legalizing it only sends the wrong signals to children. For one thing, it gives the youth a “decreased perception of harm” (Buddy T) as they think that since some states consider marijuana for its medical use, it is good for the health because of scientific research that states certain ailments can be reversed with marijuana use.
References
Buddy T. (2013). Legalizing marijuana sends youth the wrong message. Retrieved from http://alcoholism.about.com/od/pot/tp/Legalizing-Marijuana-Sends-Youth-The-Wrong-Message.htm
Pros & cons of legalizing marijuana. (n.d.). Legalizationofmarijuana.com. Retrieved from http://legalizationofmarijuana.com/pros-and-cons-of-marijuana.html
