Legalising marijuana has been one of the most controversial debates in United States of America. Despite eliciting varying reactions for different quarters, the issues have also raised both legal and health concerns. Some individuals are greatly opposed to the ideas of legalising this substance in one of the highly civilised society in the world while some groups and individuals support the legalisation of marijuana in the country (Iversen 27). Presently, various states in America have legalised marijuana especially in higher learning institutions. In references to the pressure that have been put on the government by individuals who supports the legalisation of marijuana in the country, the American government has allowed its states to legalise marijuana, but with various severe conditions. Therefore, although legalisation of marijuana has been criticised for various purpose, a policy to legalise the substance is appropriate and timely especially in United States of America.
Studies in various America states have confirmed that marijuana is one of the commonly used drugs in the country. In reference to the recent survey findings, over 17 million Americans relies on marijuana in boost their morale and in increasing the effectiveness and productivity. The use of marijuana is especially common among young and most specifically educates youths in the country. Among the people who rely on marijuana in the country, there are no reported cases of health complication due to marijuana consumptions. This therefore means that consumption of marijuana does not have any health and mental impact on an individual. The legalisation of marijuana is therefore in accordance to the set health statues in the country. The same study further confirmed that there are no reported death cases due to marijuana consumption. This contradict the argument by individuals who are opposed to the legalisation of marijuana that excessive consumption of marijuana does not only have severe health impact on an individual, but can also result to instant death. Healthcare professionals in America have as well affirmed that marijuana is a health substance that does not have any health impacts on consumers’ health. Lack of clinical evidence on health impacts of marijuana therefore confirms the importance of legalising marijuana in America.
In reference to the presented survey findings, it is also clear that marijuana is much safer that most of the legalised substance in the country. Substance such as tobacco and alcohol are more harmful on health that marijuana. With the recent studies confirming various death that result from excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarette, there is no evidence to confirm any death that result from marijuana. This therefore means that if the law is comfortable with harmful drugs such as cigarettes and alcohol, then the same law so be friendly to the harmless substance such as marijuana.
Some economist has also asserted that tobacco and alcohol consumption is more dangerous to human health and to the general economy than marijuana. The adoption of policy that will legalise marijuana in the entire America will be of essence in eliminating the stigma and stereotype that is associated with the substance. In addition, just like other substance such as tobacco and alcohol, the legalisation of marijuana will have a critical role in developing the country economy. Study in some states that have legalised marijuana in America has also confirmed that marijuana business is among the most success investment in America. Despite supporting economic development, marijuana business has been significant in improving individual living conditions. Considering the role of marijuana business in America economy, it is clear that the legalisation of this product will add value to the country’s economy.
Compared to other substances in the country, marijuana cannot be abused. In most instances, people use marijuana for health and mental purpose but not specifically for enjoyment. Contrary to common beliefs, marijuana does not have an addictive effect. America legislation also recognises drugs and substances that do not have addictive effects on users. Based on the available statistical information, it is clear that some of the already legalised drugs such as tobacco have a high addictive effect than it is the case with marijuana. For instance, recent study in United States of America by healthcare professionals has observed that among the people who use tobacco in America more than 30% of them have tobacco addiction. However, there are not research findings that have confirmed case of marijuana addiction in the country. Lack of addiction effects on marijuana is as a result a reliable justification to approve the legalisation of marijuana.
Cannabis substance found in marijuana is a useful and safe sleeping aid. Although it is illegal, a good number of modern healthcare professionals in United States recommend the use of marijuana for individuals who have sleeping problems. Cannabis substance is also useful among people who are suffering from severe sleeping problems such as insomnia. By considering the role of cannabis in the treatment of various health complications, United States federal government should consider legalising marijuana consumption in the country. The legalisation of marijuana in the country will not only help in solving sleeping problem but will also be vital in dealing with some of the common chronic health problems. Healthcare professionals in America have further supported the legalisation of marijuana in the country by claiming that the substance is useful in alleviating numerous medical ailments. The Discovery Health Article has found out that marijuana is extremely useful in relieving health complications such as nausea. The role of marijuana in dealing with nausea is the good news for cancer patients who suffer from side effects of chemotherapy. Cannabis is also useful in assisting people who have lost appetite after suffering from chronic health complications such as HIV/AIDS. Marijuana is also useful in relaxing muscle tension, reducing chronic pains, and in reducing spasms (Emmett and Graeme 27).
Therefore, although marijuana has some side effects on both individual social and economic makeup, the adoption of a policy and legal framework that will legalise marijuana in America is appropriate and timely. Contrary to professionals and groups that are opposed to the legalisation of marijuana, the legalisation of the substance will have more advantage to the Americans than the projected side effects. The legalisation will be a critical milestone in American health sectors. Despite increasing the stock of drugs used in dealing with some of the chronic complications in America, the legalisation of marijuana will also help in improving society health status. Moreover, contrary to other drugs that are legalised in America, there is no empirical evidence that has confirmed the health side effects of marijuana. Therefore, individuals and groups that are against the legalisation of marijuana should understand the important of legalising marijuana on Americans’ health. However, prior to legalising marijuana in the country, the government has a responsibility of informing community members on some of the benefit of marijuana. The understanding of benefits of marijuana will not only reduce resistance to the legalisation of the substance, but will also help in dealing with some of the stereotype associated with marijuana.
Work Cited
Emmett, David and Graeme Nice. What you need to know about cannabis: understanding the facts. New York, NY: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 2009. Print.
Iversen, Leslie. The science of marijuana (2nd Ed.). London: Oxford University Press. 2009. Print.
