Introduction
Marijuana in the United States is currently categorized as a Schedule I drug due to its lack of accepted medicinal value and a high potential for addiction. Despite this, many states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use in recent years, and more states are likely to follow suit in the near future. There are many different opinions on the topic, but the question remains: should marijuana be legalized? Although many people see the benefits of marijuana from a social standpoint that makes it seem unethical, the scientific and economic arguments for its legalization are compelling. Still, marijuana is a very prolific ‘crop’ that, like any other Agricultural crop developed for its value to humans, has economic and health benefits (Brenan, 2020). This research paper will explore the arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana and the evidence that supports each side.
Arguments for Legalization
Despite its long history of use, marijuana is still illegal in many countries and is often criminalized in those countries where it is legal. There has been a prominent tendency in recent years to decriminalize marijuana for both medical and recreational use. Proponents of marijuana legalization argue that marijuana should be legalized because it has numerous medical benefits and can be used to reduce crime and generate government revenue. It is no more dangerous than other legal substances (Todd, 2018). The most common argument in favor of legalizing marijuana is that it has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal substance, and modern science has found that it can be used to treat various health problems, including epilepsy (Di Forti, 2020).
Additionally, there is evidence that marijuana can treat certain types of cancer. It has also been found to help lower the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. By legalizing marijuana, governments would be able to make it easier for people to access its medical benefits and regulate its production and sale. Studies have shown that marijuana can treat chronic pain and glaucoma. In addition, some studies have suggested that marijuana can reduce depression, reduce nausea and even increase appetite in specific individuals. These potential medical benefits make the legalization of marijuana attractive to many individuals (Todd, 2018). Another argument for legalizing marijuana is the potential economic benefits it could bring. In states where marijuana is legal, it has been estimated that the industry could bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue. Costs associated with policing federal marijuana restrictions may be drastically reduced if marijuana use were legalized. A further consequence of marijuana’s commoditization would be a decrease in the cost of marijuana-infused goods. The tax collected from medical marijuana sales might be used to cut prices for customers (Todd, 2018). In addition, legalizing marijuana would create industry jobs and provide an additional source of income for individuals and businesses. Finally, many argue that legalizing marijuana would reduce the crime associated with its sale and use. If marijuana were legal, it could be regulated and taxed, reducing the amount of money that goes to drug cartels and other criminal organizations.
There is potential for significant gains to be made by economies of all sizes if marijuana is legalized. It is challenging for investors to benefit from the expansion of the marijuana market as long as the drug is still illegal at the federal level. Stocks issued by marijuana companies would be eligible for listing on any U.S. exchange, increasing market depth and providing access to a broader range of investors.
Arguments against Legalization
The most common argument against legalizing marijuana is that it has the potential to be abused. Marijuana can be addictive; some people use it to escape reality or cope with difficult emotions. Legalizing marijuana could increase its use, which could harm public health (Di Forti, 2020). Marijuana legalization would likely lead to an increase in its use. This could lead to increased health risks, as well as increased criminal activity.
Furthermore, it could lead to increased drug use among adolescents, as it is often seen as a “cool” or “trendy” drug. Finally, some argue that legalizing marijuana would send the wrong message to children. Many feel that legalizing marijuana would normalize its use and make it appear more socially acceptable to children (Amlung & MacKillop, 2019). This could lead to an increase in marijuana use among adolescents. Cannabis is frequently referred to as a “gateway drug,” which refers to the fact that using marijuana can lead to using more hazardous substances like cocaine and heroin. Studies have revealed that marijuana users are more prone than non-users to consuming other substances.
In addition, many argue that legalizing marijuana would increase driving under the influence (Hutchison et al., 2019). Marijuana can impair motor skills and judgment, and legalizing it could make it more accessible to individuals who drive while under the influence. This could lead to an increase in car accidents and fatalities. Marijuana use has been linked to several adverse health effects, including memory loss, impaired coordination, increased risk of psychosis, and a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Additionally, marijuana usage has been linked to a higher risk of car accidents. Additionally, the smoke from marijuana shares a lot of the same chemicals and carcinogens as smoke from cigarettes, which can cause respiratory issues like bronchitis and emphysema.
Marijuana use is associated with various criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and violence. Furthermore, marijuana is often used alongside other illegal drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. This increases the risk of criminal activity and can lead to increased violent crime. Marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of criminal activity. Studies have found that those who use marijuana are more likely to engage in certain types of criminal activity, such as property crimes and drug-related offenses. In addition, research has suggested that marijuana use may increase the risk of violent behavior and increase the likelihood of being involved in a fight or an assault. Therefore, marijuana use may be a contributing factor to criminal activity.
Conclusion
There are many compelling arguments against the legalization of marijuana. The fact that it is a highly addictive medication that can cause dependence on both one’s body and one’s mind is by far the most significant of these reasons. In addition, it is a gateway drug, leading to the use of other drugs, and it is associated with various negative social and economic consequences. Therefore, it is essential to consider all of these factors before making any decisions regarding marijuana legalization.
Overall, the debate surrounding marijuana legalization is complex, and there are valid arguments on both sides. However, the evidence suggests that the potential benefits of legalizing marijuana outweigh the potential risks. Legalizing marijuana could lead to increased tax revenue, more jobs, and improved public health. It could also reduce crime associated with its sale and use and provide access to its potential medicinal benefits. For these reasons, it is clear that marijuana should be legalized.
References
Amlung, M., & MacKillop, J. (2019). Availability of legalized cannabis reduces demand for illegal cannabis among Canadian cannabis users: evidence from a behavioural economic substitution paradigm. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 110(2), 216-221.
Brenan, M. (2020). Support for legal marijuana inches up to new high of 68%. Age, 18(29), 79.
Di Forti, M. (2020). To legalize or not to legalize cannabis, that is the question!. World Psychiatry, 19(2), 188.
Hutchison, K. E., Bidwell, L. C., Ellingson, J. M., & Bryan, A. D. (2019). Cannabis and health research: rapid progress requires innovative research designs. Value in Health, 22(11), 1289-1294.
Todd, T. (2018). The benefits of marijuana legalization and regulation. Berkeley J. Crim. L., 23, 99.
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