Legalization of marijuana is a bulky topic; a deep message underlies this debate. Alcohol and drug abuse is number one issue in the United States. The controversy rages on as both sides have clear points of view.
There are many pros and cons of marijuana legalization. However, there is no doubt that use of marijuana harms health and use of this drug will be significantly increased with its legalization. Thus, it is necessary to take everything into account before making a decision whether marijuana should be legalized.
On February 26th, 2014 a recent poll in Texas showed that 49% of Texans support legalization of this drug and 77% support legalization of medical marijuana (Legalize Marijuana Legal Weed Marijuana Facts, 2014). Moreover, Texas is considered to be one of the most conservative states in the United States.
Conducted by Rasmussen Reports, the latest national telephone survey of adults showed that 43% of them believe that marijuana should be legalized, but 42% think it should remain as an illegal drug; another 15% are not sure (Cannabis Culture, 2014).
It is of a great importance to analyze arguments of both opposing sides concerning this contradictory matter in order to identify all pros and cons. Some people say that the legalization of marijuana is acceptable just for medical purposes. Others argue that marijuana is a gateway drug, a stepping stone to more serious and harder drugs (cocaine, heroin), and it can lead to detrimental and irreversible effects. However, proponents claim that there is no correlation between marijuana use and the use of other drugs. Research shows that marijuana causes several health disorders, such as depression, a motivational syndrome, brain and lung damage, cancer, and even death. In addition, abuse of the drug provokes memory loss and difficulties in problem solving.
Fierce critics lay special emphasis on chemotherapy treatments. Studies at The Center for Medical Cannabis Research at the University of California (2014) have found that cannabis, the core ingredient in marijuana, is a helping hand in treating cachexia («wasting syndrome»), severe appetite suppression due to human HIV infection and other chronic pain, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer.
It is known that marijuana is one of the most researched drugs known to a human being. For thousands of years marijuana was used as a medical drug throughout the world, until the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937.
Opponents of marijuana legalization think that legality of this drug can boost crime rates and it is dangerous to our society as it increases access to the drug and more people will be taking it. Also, they suppose that with the legalization of marijuana, court and police will be dealing with more serious crimes, such as murder, terrorism, rape, etc.
Some consider that use of marijuana is morally wrong. Many religions advise against the use of such substances, they think that legalization of marijuana will result in an increase in usage, especially among teenagers.
Advocates of legalization of marijuana say that restricting the drug intrudes on privacy, they argue that every person has a right to decide his fate, even if resorting to drugs is harmful and illegal.
Supporters believe that it will greatly benefit the economy and that it is not so unhealthy. They claim that legalization of marijuana will also create more vacancies and jobs in the open market as cannabis has commercial and industrial uses, including construction and thermal insulation materials, insect repellant, producing paper, etc.
There are many positive and negative opinions about us of marijuana and its impact; one of the main issues is a problem of violating the law. Depending on locations, there are a lot of crimes related to the growing, processing, use, sale and distribution of marijuana. It is a philosophical point of view whether or not the drug «caused» the crime. With use of marijuana, people become more violent, rude and less responsive. Their behavior under the influence of the drug might cause them to steal property, insult others, and drive without paying proper attention to traffic lights or neglect safety of children and older people.
When deciding whether marijuana should be legalized, honesty, justice and consistency should be taken into account, as it will help to make an objective and unbiased decision. Selling marijuana can bring a good deal of money and many people are interested in legalization of the drug. Dealers earn enormously high sums of money distributing the drug. It goes without saying that legalization of marijuana can have many negative consequences.
Various countries are more or less tolerant to the use of marijuana, and a lack of consistency and continuity could be solved by implementing laws and regulations. Indeed, it is hard to tell which argument is more convincing, debates are heating up.
It is of the greatest importance to consider all pros and cons of marijuana legalization prior to making any amendments to the laws and regulations. It is known that marijuana is a drug and use of marijuana on a regular basis can develop into drug dependence. Negative effects of drug abuse cannot be ignored; thus, use of marijuana should be reduced to protect public health. A strong public education can help to demonstrate these negative effects.
Possible mental health problems, drug addiction, workplace accidents and highway safety should be taken into account when making legislative decisions. Alcohol and tobacco are other 2 legal drugs that cause dependence and illness; one must think twice whether marijuana is to be legalized.
References
Caulkins, J. P. (1997). Is crack cheaper than (powder) cocaine? Addiction, 92(11), 1437-1444.
Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research Established at University of California (Info). (n.d.). Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research Established at University of California (Info). Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://mosors.narod.ru/eng/cmcr.html.
Going the Distance - The New Yorker. (n.d.). The New Yorker. Retrieved October 14, 2014, from http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/01/27/going-the-distance-2?currentPage=all.
Hallfors, D., Cho, H., Brodish, P., Flewelling, R., & Khatapoush, S. (2006). Identifying High School Students “At Risk” For Substance Use And Other Behavioral Problems: Implications For Prevention. Substance Use & Misuse, 41(1), 1-15.
Legalization of Marijuana. (n.d.). Legalize Marijuana Legal Weed Marijuana Facts. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://legalizationofmarijuana.com/.
Morgan, K. (2011). Legalizing marijuana. Edina, MN: ABDO Pub. Co.
43% Say Marijuana Should Be Legalized, 42% Disagree | Cannabis Culture. (n.d.). Cannabis Culture. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://www.cannabisculture.com/content/2010/07/26/43-Say-Marijuana-Should-Be-Legalized-42-Disagree.
