Legalization of Marijuana.
Since the 1960’s, there has been much debate about the legalization of cannabis. Legal in many progressive European countries including Holland and Finland, it is still a heated debated topic in the United States . States like Colorado and California have made it legally for medicinal purposes, yet many want the complete legalization of the drug. Others worry that making this dangerous drug legal will facilitate young adults and teens to abuse it, making it a more serious problem than it is.
The Pros
• Limiting the use of the drug intrudes on personal freedoms. Like with the prohibition of alcohol during the 1920’s, many argue that this drug should be regulated to control crime and leave the use of this substance which is equally as harmful to the user.
• There are medical benefits such as those for cancer patients. Instead of using harmful chemical drugs that have adverse secondary effects, marijuana is a plant with organic benefits and little to no side effects.
• If marijuana becomes legal, agencies like the FDA can control the substance making sure is less harmful for the user. When marijuana is illegal, the consumer is left on the hands of untrustworthy drug dealers who could mix it with harmful chemicals.
• If marijuana becomes legal, the government will be able to tax it just like they tax alcohol and tobacco. During this time of recession, any additional income is greatly welcomed.
The Cons.
• Marijuana is a gateway drug. Many users of hardcore drugs started by using marijuana. Legalizing it will make the use of other drugs seem less harmful.
• Because the use of marijuana would increase dramatically if it became legal, the instances of driving under the influence of cannabis would increase.
• Legalization will also increase the chances of the drug falling into the hands of kids. Seeing marijuana at the same level as alcohol, many children will be tempted to try it. The fact that the government endorses its use by making it legal will facilitate children from obtaining it.
• Since more people are using marijuana, the health risk from the consumption will cause the same effects as those of people who consume tobacco or alcohol. Health risk such as pulmonary cancer and clogged arteries are prevalent on frequent cannabis users.
The Borderline
In deciding whether to make a drug legal or not, all aspects of the outcome should be examined. Making a drug completely legal causes negative externalities in a community, which is the reason why there is a drinking age and an age limit on the sale of cigarettes. Both parties can find a middle ground by allowing and making restrictions on the use of a drug and thus preventing it from falling in the wrong hands yet allowing responsible users and the government to have regulation over it.
By Maria Lopardo and Patrick Potts
They make some good points... i can not imagine a life where everyone is high... it would be like living in slow motion.
ReplyDeleteThat wouldn't meant everyone would do drugs.
ReplyDeletealcohol and tobacco are legal yet not everyone walks around drunk or smokes all the time.
but the overall use would increase.
In Amsterdam marijuana is completely legal and the age regulations are the same as for tobacco products in the US. Since it is legal, smoking it is just as common as smoking cigarettes, and the people are not as likely or interested to start using it obsessively. Just in methods of partying or trying to relax. Over time i think marijuana will have the same effect on the United States if legalized. It seems to me, most people only start smoking it to rebel, and if it is legalized then it will probably eliminate the problems that occur now from smoking weed.
ReplyDeleteI've Been to Amsterdam and seen firsthand how the legalization of marijuana has led to a stronger economy and a one of a kind culture that people from all over the world flock to the Netherlands to be a part of. I believe that legalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana in the United States could only be beneficial. Cannabis is already helping out California's economy, now the rest of the country needs to catch up.
ReplyDeleteIm just gonna throw out a few quick points on this potentially debatable topic. first of all the government have no legit reasons not to legalize marijuana and they cant seem to figure out that they could stack some serious paper through taxes. Someone needs to get on Obama and get off his health bills n stuff. Marijuana has medical benifits. Problem solved chief. Nextly, no body has evered overdosed and died smoking marijuana, it just doesnt happen. And lastly, this "cannibus" is from the earth. Most of what the earth produces is good, except for crocodiles. Its a science really. And Thats all i gota say bout that
ReplyDeleteRight now there is a big initiative to make marijuana legal in the state of California. This would make things interesting do to cross state law enforcement. Also legalizing it would get rid of a seedy element like when prohibition was reversed.
ReplyDeleteMarijuana comes from the Earth as a natural herb. It is proven to have medical benefits and has shown little to no health risks. Marijuana is not an addictive drug and has no relevance to gateway drugs. These are facts. I have listened to medical professors from top Universities such as NYU say that they hope this "drug" becomes legalized and regulated. It would take the underground drug dealers off the market if they regulated and controlled the amount and use of marijuana. Instead of dodging the facts why doesn't the government see the economic opportunity we could recieve from legalizing marijuana. It just doesn't make sense to me how they can say alchol and cigarettes should be legal when they cause hundreds of thousands of deaths each year and marijuana hasnt caused one!
ReplyDelete