Introduction
Legalization of marijuana has been a subject of debate in the recent past. This article aims to explore the reasons why people are increasingly pushing for legalization despite potential addiction and the health effects associated with marijuana use. Most of the reasons are are obviously negative. Therefore, it is of importance to scrutinize how these reasons affect both individuals and the government as well.
Decriminalization of Marijuana
The prohibition of marijuana has seen many people arrested and convicted for minor offenses such as being in possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. Aside from the fact that prosecution of these offenses is expensive and time-consuming for the justice system, they have led to the crowding of prisons. To allow the justice system more time and money to deal with other more serious crimes, decriminalization of marijuana is essential. It would also serve to decongest prisons (Drug Policy Alliance).
Many of those who have been incarcerated for marijuana possession often find it extremely difficult to obtain some social services when they get released. It becomes very difficult and sometimes impossible for them to vote, acquire educational loans, get jobs, obtain accommodation, or even adopt children (Drug Policy Alliance). That is extremely unfair considering the magnitude of the offenses these individuals got convicted for.
The article “Reducing the Harms of Marijuana Prohibition” by the Drug Policy Alliance states that almost half of drug arrests in the US are for offenses related to marijuana, most of which are for personal possession. The article also highlights other associated vices to marijuana offenses such as racism. Apparently, most of the people arrested for marijuana offenses are usually black Americans and Latinos despite the fact that whites use the drug at similar rates.
In another article titled “Marijuana Legalization and Regulation,” the Drug Policy Alliance further supports its stance on legalization of marijuana by describing some of its benefits. One of these benefits is that it would lead to the creation of jobs since it is the nation’s largest cash crop (Drug Policy Alliance). That would open up business opportunities and with every business comes jobs. The article also advocates for testing and standardization of marijuana before consumption as part of the legalization process.
Speaking of business opportunities, Michael Bodley and Clarissa Cooper’s article titled “Marijuana Commerce Blossoms, But Challenges Bound” reports an increase in investment in the marijuana business. Marijuana sales have shifted from dingy street corners to open stores. Some people believe that marijuana might be the biggest investment since the turn of the century. Business insiders have predicted an expansion of the market for marijuana as other states continue to legalize both medicinal and recreational marijuana (Bodley and Cooper). Therefore, legalization of marijuana is bound to strengthen the economy of the country.
Of all the effects of prohibition of marijuana, the most serious and fatal so far is the violence that has characterized the operation of illegal markets for marijuana. For example, in Mexico illegalization of drugs has led to the rise of organized crime and drug cartels. These cartels have used brutal force to secure their turf resulting in the death of thousands of people including children. Random shootings, assassinations, harassments and violent retaliations are just a few of the many despicable acts that are associated with the prohibition of marijuana. The legalization of marijuana would lead to a drop in drug-related violence. However, the complete eradication of drug-related violence will depend on the legalization of other drugs too which might bring a much larger public resistance than the one marijuana faces.
According to a research article titled “In Debate Over Legalizing Marijuana, Disagreement Over Drug’s Dangers” conducted by the Pew Research Centre, the reasons frequently given to support the legal use of marijuana include its medicinal value and the impression that it is no worse than other legalized drugs like alcohol and tobacco. Legalization of marijuana for its medicinal benefits received a 42% support. On the other hand, legalization of marijuana because it is no worse than other drugs garnered 36% support. Other reasons that were given to support legalization are decreased crime rates, non-interference of the government with an individual’s choices, and the ability of the government to control and regulate usage of marijuana through taxation (Pew Research Centre).
It is most of these concerns listed above that have led to a worldwide outcry for the legalization of marijuana. The survey by Pew Research Centre found that 53% percent of Americans are in favor of legalization of marijuana while 44% are opposed to it. Support for the legal use of marijuana is more among 18-34-year-olds. In general, the survey found a sharp rise in support for marijuana over the past decade (Pew Research Centre). In fact, some countries such as Uruguay and Netherlands have already legalized the use marijuana. So is some states in the United States such as Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Washington DC. Canada has legalized medical marijuana and is working on removing leisure consumption and possession from the penal code.
Conclusion
Marijuana may have its fair share of effects on human health, but if the evidence given is to go by, people are increasingly rooting for its legalization. That is because its prohibition probably has more negative effects than its legalization. The argument is that marijuana can be used for its medicinal benefits and at the same time regulated in the same way as alcohol and tobacco through taxations and age restrictions.
Works Cited
Bodley, Michael and Clarissa Cooper. "Marijuana Commerce Blossoms, But Challenges Abound". NBC News. N.p., 2015. Web. 3 May 2016.
Drug Policy Alliance. "Marijuana Arrests | Reducing The Harms Of Marijuana Prohibition | Drug Policy Alliance". Drugpolicy.org. N.p., 2011. Web. 3 May 2016.
Drug Policy Alliance. "Marijuana Legalization And Regulation | Drug Policy Alliance". Drugpolicy.org. N.p., 2011. Web. 3 May 2016.
Pew Research Centre. "In Debate Over Legalizing Marijuana, Disagreement Over Drug’S Dangers". Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. N.p., 2015. Web. 3 May 2016.
