Should marijuana be legalized? Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is the most used illicit drug. It has been the subject of debate for decades concerning its potential medicinal effects and the harm it causes. There are a number of movements to legalize the use of marijuana. There are some states that legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use, while others prohibit the drug. Lets look at some reasons why marijuana should be legalized and why it should not. Researches have shown that marijuana isn’t more harmful than alcohol or tobacco if used in moderation. Based on DRP.
Dashiki’s study, “although smoking cannabis ay be associated with symptoms of chronic bronchitis, studies do not substantiate claim that it is positively associated with development of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or bulbous lung disease. ” (Target News Service, 2013) Most doctors would agree that it is not harmful if used in moderation. It is only when a person abuses the drug that problems occur. Others argue that it is an addictive drug. But studies indicate, “Large majority of people who try marijuana, do it experimentally and never become addicted. (Combiner, 2010) Some proposed that marijuana could be a safe treatment for symptoms of cancer, AIDS, epilepsy and other conditions. Former U. S. Surgeon General Jocosely Elders pointed out “evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms… ” (Elders, n. D. , Para. 1) Many doubt that marijuana has medicinal effects because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not approve it. For instance, as reported by the New York Times, “no sound scientific studies supported the medical use of marijuana”. Harris, 2006) Based on such evidence, there are safer medicine, which offers relief from pain and other symptoms. The U. S Government will save billions of dollars if we legalize marijuana. Jeffery Minor claim “marijuana prohibition now costs state and federal government as much as $20 billion a year… ” (Sledge, 2013) The government spends too much money on an illicit drug that does little harm. There are other issues such as medical care, education and pay raises that need the money. Also we must include the resource utilize by police officers, Judges, public defenders, prosecutors, prison guards, and so on.
Legalization of marijuana would free people to concentrate on more important issues like harder drugs, murder, rape, terrorism and so forth. Marijuana could be a source of additional tax revenues. An enormous amount of money was collected on tobacco taxes. As reported Responds website, “since 1998, governments at all levels have collected more than $444 BILLION in cigarette taxes and payments from smokers. ” (http://www. R]art. Com/taxpayers. Asps) The legalization of marijuana would create another item that could be taxed.
I’m sure the government can spend that money where it is needed. Legalization would also mean lower crime rates. Records have shown that police arrested 847, 864 people for marijuana violation, almost 90 percent of them for session only. (2010) Why incarcerate so many while possessing a drug that is known nave minor enumerate CT. Tee The cost tot maintaining prisons is high too. Legalizing could reduce related crime such as murder and robbery. In the “drug trade business” if a deal has gone bad, most likely it will lead to robbery or murder.
Legalization will have strict laws on distribution and marketing that decreases crimes. Terrorist organization will lose some of its profits through legalization. Some terrorist groups use marijuana profits to fund their cause. For instance, investigation y the Spanish and French secret service revealed that cannabis smokers are unknowingly funding Salamis extremist link to terror attacks in Spain, Morocco and Algeria. ” (Smith, 2007) Legalization will disable terrorist from the “Marijuana Business” and if they are low in funds, we can worry less about terrorist attacks on our nation.
Strong counter-arguments against legalization of marijuana as I stated before is that there is scientific studies that indicate cannabis have medicinal properties. Furthermore, legalization would increase the chances of the drug ending up in children’s’ possession. Like tobacco, we can set laws on what age group should buy marijuana. Marijuana is often used as a stepping-stone or a “gateway drug” leading to harder drugs. Maim Salivate claims that there is a strong correlation between marijuana use and other drug use. Salivate, 2010) Marijuana might not be as harmful as it is, but it can lead to chronic drug use. Marijuana use is not true Micelles crime” when you consider all the crimes that may be committed when the user is under the influence. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that 10,228 people died in drunk driving crashes. National Statistics) Drunk driving is still a problem despite tougher law and public awareness programs. “Driving high” would be even a harder problem to detect. Secondhand smoke from cigarettes is already causing health problems.
It is obvious that more usage of marijuana increases the exposure of non-smokers to second hand smoking. Secondhand smoke has link to cause certain types of cancer and lung ailments. (Secondhand Smoke) In conclusion, I feel that the pros of legalizing marijuana outweigh the cons. Many evidence shows that marijuana is not harmful as other drugs and is an optional treatment for certain illness. It can generate revenue for the government and many positive effects on society that I have stated above. I believe that legalization of marijuana would contribute to a better world.
