Arguably, marijuana is among the most popular drug among the youth today. One thing that distinguishes marijuana from other drugs is the fact that marijuana is consumed in its natural form with little or no additives at all. Unlike the other synthetic drugs, like the infamous crack and heroin, marijuana is less likely to have any unfavorable upshot on the health of a person. Experts argue that, contrary to what may people believe, cigarette is much dangerous than marijuana. This is because the cigarette filters are full of tar, which is likely to cause lung cancer and other complications to the respiratory system (Nagle, 2008). Similarly, as opposed to common belief, beer and other alcoholic drinks are more detrimental to the health of an individual than Cannabis Sativa. Beer, for instance, is dangerous to the liver since it is a common cause of liver cirrhosis. This is a deadly ailment that doctors warn against at all costs. Amusingly there is no known disease or health ailment that can be directly linked to marijuana. For this reason, marijuana should be legalized so as to replace the dangerous intoxicants that are more detrimental to the health of a human being.
Certainly, the second rationale why marijuana should be legalized is because such legalization will come with positive tax implications. A situation where a marijuana vendor is required to be a license holder will have positive changes on the amounts of tax collected. The proponents of legalization argue that, upon such legalization, the government should introduce a policy requiring that all marijuana consumers hold a government issued permit that should be renewed on a monthly basis at a reasonable fee. With these levies and fees, the government is likely to raise a considerably large amount of money in the form of taxes and legal charges (Caulkins et al, 2012). It should, as well, be considered that anyone found consuming Cannabis Sativa without due permit and authorization shall be subjected to the force of the law and shall be duly fined. Such fines are a source of government revenue, as well. The economists from California estimated that the amount of money that marijuana should be able to raise in taxes is 1.2 million dollars. This is a considerably large amount of money considering that most states are running on a deficit budget.
The third reason why legalization should be an excellent option is related to the second reason above, and concerns itself with saving the unnecessary costs associated with enforcement of anti-marijuana legislation. The costs of conducting arrests and taking the suspects through the criminal justice system amount to a substantial amount of money. Considering that marijuana is not medically proven to be dangerous, spending such amounts on enforcing anti-marijuana legislation when citizens are wallowing in poverty amounts to unethical decision making (Connolly, 2007). It is against social idealism to spend so much money on arresting people that have been suspected of consuming a substance, which is not dangerous. By legalizing marijuana, the government will be able to save such money for other uses. Other costs associated with anti-marijuana legislation include the cost of hiring legal counsels, the costs of putting up rehabilitation centers and juvenile institutions as well as the costs of conducting felony arrests.
The fourth reason why marijuana should be legalized is because, through such legalization, there will be reduced suspicion and enhanced peaceful coexistence. It is typical for an individual that is opposed to the use of marijuana to hold negative prejudices towards the users of such drug. As such, there emerge social classes within the society with each holding contrary opinions. The non-consumers see the users of marijuana as a security menace and an antisocial group. This develops fear and hatred on the side of the non users. Similarly, in response to the ideas of the non users, the consumers of marijuana develop hatred for the non users who see them as criminals and social outcasts. In the end, there emerges a social rift between the users of marijuana and the non users of the same (Conrad, 1997). This way, the peaceful cooperation typical of an average society is broken, and mistrust sets in as enmity becomes apparent. Apparently, a society living in suspicion and fear cannot prosper economically since the members will not be ready to pool resources. The solution to such social phenomena is to legalize marijuana because, that way, the consumers of the same will be seen as an integral part of the society.
Fifthly, just like beer, cigarette and sex, marijuana is a recreational form that is popular among those whose taste tends to the intoxication in cannabis. As such, according to the provisions of equality and respect for a person, the government should allow the consumption of marijuana just like it does for alcohol, cigarette and other forms of intoxication. Additionally, legally restricting an individual’s tendency to consume that which they please amounts to demeaning or despising the individual. As such, the individual may develop low self worth since they will consider themselves lesser members of the society. A situation where one individual is granted a right to intoxicate themselves, whereas other individuals in the same circumstances cannot intoxicate themselves with marijuana, creates an air of discrimination (Morgan, 2011). According to the bill of rights and the doctrines of equity, all men in similar circumstances should be subject to similar treatment. As such, all people that are in need of intoxication should be allowed to intoxicate themselves as long as the intoxicants are not sufficiently dangerous.
The sixth reason as to why legalization of marijuana is worth consideration is because it is one of the most efficient ways of directing large amounts of money from the hands of rich, criminal gangs and terrorists to the control of productive citizens. For instance, by legalizing marijuana, all the people peddling marijuana today will not seek supply from the criminal gangs that supply them at exorbitant prices (Kubby & Rosenthal, 2003). Instead, they will seek supplies from legally licensed farmers whose prices will be controlled by the government. This way, the enormous amounts of money channeled to the outlawed sects and gangs will be put to constructive use. Additionally, this will be a way of reducing the financial strength of the gangs. Such reduction in financial strength will result in compelled disbanding of the groups. In the long run, such illegal and dangerous activities such as terrorism will be reduced significantly. Research has it that most terrorist gangs get funds from such illegal activities as the selling of marijuana
The seventh reason that should motivate the efforts to have marijuana legalized is the actuality that it will reduce minor crimes, such as mugging and pick pocketing. Here, is how. By making the drug legal, the people trading with it will be under the direct supervision of the government agencies. This way, their prices will be regulated in such a way that an average smoker or consumer can afford to purchase the substance. This is to say that the prices of the drug will be reasonable unlike it is, currently. As such, the consumers that may not be financially strong will not have to go stealing so as to access the drug. Psychologists have established that the petty crimes committed by marijuana users are not motivated by anything characteristic of the substance, but rather the need for money to purchase the intoxicant, which is sold at exploitative prices (Goldenstein, 2010). Therefore, by making it legal, the prices will be logical and within the reach of the average and low income earners. This will substantially reduce their tendency to steal and mug. As such, insecurity will be significantly reduced especially in the downtown areas of most cities and towns.
The eighth argument is rooted in the fact that marijuana is capable of producing more than 26000 different products. Among these products are such things as substances with medicinal properties. The average person may not have the capacity to understand the medical jargon used to explain how marijuana can be used to cure asthma, but it sure does as per the conclusions drawn by students and instructors at the University of Cambridge in early 2011. The drug can be made to remedy may other diseases especially those affecting the respiratory system of a human being. Besides the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant, research has it that the seeds of marijuana are among the richest sources of protein (Caulkins et al, 2012). Very few plants and animal products can possibly beat the marijuana seeds as far as protein content is concerned. Social scientists and psychologists have established that contrary to common belief, marijuana is not as addictive as cigarette and alcohol. If legalized, therefore, it will serve as a way of reducing dependency on alcohol and cigarette. The addiction to cigarette and alcohol has had detrimental effects among many families, with the non-consuming members accusing the addicts of wasting resources in drinking instead of catering for the needs of the family.
Ninthly, marijuana is capable of producing more paper than any other plant or material. According to many researchers in the field of paper manufacturing, there is not a single plant known to man that can produce as much paper per acre as can marijuana. This is to say that it is a lucrative decision, to have marijuana legalized since such legislation is likely to impact positively on the paper industry by providing more raw materials. Since marijuana is a fast growing plant, as opposed to the trees, especially the indigenous species, it would be better to substitute the use of trees with Cannabis Sativa (Goode, 2010). This way, there will be reduced cutting of trees around the world. This will result in the achievement of ecological balance. Trees are exceptionally important in the protection of the environment, especially the water catchment areas. In addition to all the above advantages, there are such merits as marijuana being a cheaper alternative to alcohol.
Despite all the above merits, marijuana has some serious demerits. These demerits are the basis of the arguments forwarded by those opposed to the initiative of legalizing marijuana. One such demerit is that excessive consumption of marijuana may cause poor judgment capabilities to the user. Excessive consumption may cause an individual to act irrationally in some incidences. For instance, records at the criminal courts indicate that many people have committed such heinous crimes as rape and murder while under the influence of marijuana. Additionally, marijuana may cause changes in the conduct of an individual. Interviews, administered among the custodians of various rehabilitation centers across the United States, indicated that the users of marijuana could be hysterical if they failed to use the drug for a day or two. Violence is a common characteristic among the users. Another disadvantage is that the drug is associated with antisocial behavior and can be excessively addictive. Doctors as well, argue that excessive intake of the drug can cause serious mental disorders (Rowan, 1996). Even so, it still is clear that the positive aspects of marijuana outweigh the negative characteristics. It is for this cause that marijuana should be made legal; for the wellbeing of society and fro the good of the economy.
In conclusion, it is apparent that, from the above discussion, legalization of marijuana is associated with more good than harm. Among the key merits of such legalization are facts such as marijuana can be used in the manufacture of many useful products, it can be used for medicinal purposes, legalization will boost national income, legalizing the drug will weaken illegal gangs as well as protect families from being broken. Additionally, it is clear that legalization of marijuana will enhance peaceful coexistence, treatment of respiratory diseases, as well as add nutritional value to the intake of the consumer. Legalization of the intoxicant is in line with the standards of justice and fortification of human rights. Ecological balance is an important aspect in the struggle to sustain the environment. The costs that will be saved in terms of reduced litigation relating to marijuana will be substantial enough to support other public projects. While liver cirrhosis and lung cancer are among the worst diseases, and given the fact that cigarettes and alcohol are more addictive than marijuana, it is no puzzle why the proponents of the legalization of marijuana are as right as any intellect could think.
References
Caulkins, J., Hawken, A., Kilmer. B & Kleiman, M. (2012). Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs To Know. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Connolly, S. (2007). Marijuana: Straight Talking. Howard Drive West: Smart Apple Media
Conrad, C. (1997). Hemp for Health: Medicinal and Nutritional Uses of Cannabis Sativa. Vermont: Healing Arts Press
Goldenstein, M. (2010). Legalizing Drugs: Crime Stopper or Social Risk? Minneapolis: 20th Century Books
Goode, E. (2010). Marijuana. New Brunswick: Transaction Press
Kubby, S & Rosenthal, E. (2003). Why Marijuana Should Be Legal. New York: Thunder’s Mouth Press
Morgan, K. (2011). Legalizing marijuana. Edina: ABDO Publishing Company
Nagle, J. (2008). Marijuana: Incredible Disgusting Drugs. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
Rowan, R. (1996). The Great Book of Hemp. Vermont: Park Street Press
