Pros And Cons Of Legalization Of Marijuana

Finally, marijuana should not be legalized because it is a big safety issue for the states. The quote that shows this is, "For instance, low to moderate doses distort perception that is enough to cause traffic accidents. In fact, study shows that weed is one of the most prevalent illegal drugs found in fatally injured and impaired drivers," from NYLN.org(2014). Marijuana is one of the leading causes of crimes, car accidents and other violent behaviors. It[marijuana] contains the chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol(THC), which is responsible for stimulating the CNS(central nervous system).

636). Thus, they argue that the legalization of marijuana, should be similar to those of alcohol and tobacco where there are regulations for the sale to minimize any health related problems it may cause (Joffe & Yancy, 2004, p. 636). Additionally, tobacco and alcohol are among the most abused substances used by adolescents; despite having regulations for their sales through enforcing legal ages for purchase, they still find ways to purchase and consume these substances. Moreover, the legalization of marijuana would assist in pain relief as a less toxic, addictive and essentially safer drug in comparison to what some individuals use for chronic pain such as opiates and alcohol. It has been reported that there has been 25% of a decrease in the deaths related to opiate overdose; essentially, marijuana could contribute to the harm reduction that other substances cause (Mitchell 2016, p. 63)

In the “Marijuana: A Continuing Concern for Pediatricians” article the author points out the fact that marijuana is in fact “an addictive, mind-altering drug capable of inducing dependency” (Marijuana: A Continuing Concern). After some research this statement has been clearly supported. According to the author of “Marijuana: Breaking Down the Buzz” being under the influence of the drug has led to very poor decisions. Some of the poor decisions teenagers make while being under the influence include; people not completing high school, having failing grades if they are still in school, and doing reckless things while behind the wheel of a vehicle.

If you aren't using the requirements to drive a car, you are putting a lot of people in danger. Marijuana is able to slow you down, and turn you into a straight up zombie. It is because the THC in this drug, messes with your brain's orbitofrontal cortex. Acting like a zombie in public, is harmful to yourself and others. The drug affects your learning, memory, and reaction time.

This subject has been debated numerous times over the past few years. People’s points of view and researches about the topic have varied greatly. Some people believe that marijuana should be legalized, while the rest feel should stay prohibited. Proponents of marijuana argue that there are numerous medical benefits and that the drug is not more harmful than tobacco or alcohol. On the other hand, opponents argue that marijuana is too dangerous; its legalization would increase the chances of the drug falling into the hands of teens and that marijuana use often progresses to the use of more dangerous drugs like heroin and cocaine.

Many in favor of legalization would state that marijuana has minimal health risks, is not addictive, can treat many major illnesses. One interesting statistics suggests that the legalization of medical marijuana actually lowers the abuse or experimentation of marijuana use in youth. Also, legalization of marijuana in all states suggests an overall decline in crime rates. One can assume that legalization would provide necessary medical treatments for those who need it, less abuse of marijuana use, and a lower crime rate involving drugs. It has been said that marijuana is safer than many other drugs that are already legalized, and marijuana has never killed anyone from an overdose.

People believe that if marijuana is legalized users will get addicted. Marijuana use disorder become what is known as addiction when “the person cannot stop using the drug even though it interferes with many aspects of his or her life” (“Is Marijuana Addictive”). Although addiction is a problem, out of all the people who use marijuana, only 9% become dependent on it (“Is Marijuana Addictive”). Also, opioids and painkillers are very addictive as well, and they can lead to an overdose resulting in death. The second concern is abuse.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people who smoke marijuana are 104 times more likely to smoke cocaine, and other addictive drugs, than people who don’t smoke marijuana. This is potentially very dangerous because these other drugs can have adverse reactions that are many times worse than marijuana. Cocaine, like marijuana is a stimulant, but unlike marijuana is many times stronger. Users will become addicted to cocaine much quicker and much more deeply. Legalizing marijuana will multiply the already large problem with illegal drug use.

The Dichotomy of Marijuana Terrance Lafromboise University of Montana Marijuana has issues with perception. While many view it as a gateway drug to harder substances, others keep an open mind to its health benefits. When consuming marijuana you can develop problematic use known as marijuana use disorder (MUD); however, it doesn't take a form of an addiction until severe use. This includes individuals that are unable to abstain from the drug regardless of the personal issues it imposes (NIDA, 2017-2). Compared to other ethnicities, research has shown that Native Americans use illegal substances like marijuana at more significant rates (Mitchell, 2003).

8. One of our goals is to keep our children healthy and safe all the time. By legalizing marijuana, there is a high possibility that these children can have access to these drugs which in turn would lead them to possibly developing an addiction at an early age. 9. Marijuana has also some levels of carcinogens which can contribute to the destruction of normal lung function.

So far, motor vehicle fatality statistics in the US are striking. In Washington State, fatal crashes among drivers who tested positive for marijuana doubled from 8% in 2013 to 17% in 2014 (Samhsa). In Colorado the number of drivers in fatal crashes who tested positive for marijuana without other drugs in their system tripled between 2005 and 2014 from 3.4% to 12.1% (Carliner). Therefore, when local governments discuss about the legalization of marijuana, they must consider a clear-headed assessment regarding the impact of legalization on road safety. They also must create a scientifically sound and fair approach toward drug-impaired driving, and develop appropriate standards and penalties to enforce any new

Cannabis has been used medically since roughly 2000 BCE in China, but the United States government appears to be oblivious to the fact that it has beneficial purposes. Legalization can lead to many positive things in society. The United States legislature should legalize the use of cannabis, both medical and recreational, because it has proven to possesses many different beneficial effects. Legalization has proven to increase the tax revenue in a state, which that money can be given back into the school systems and other governmental duties. Cannabis has also proven to provide a variety of medicinal purposes, such as cancer treatment, various diseases, and improving a patient's quality of life.

The issue of marijuana regulation, like many other public-policy issue, is much more scientific than most people think, one needs to be very much be abreast with technology and scientific facts to be able to speak either for or against its legalization or decimalization by states and/ or the federal government. Depending on who you talk to, there are so many facts about what marijuana does to the brain. According to the National Institute of Health website (NIH, 2014) “Marijuana is composed of a chemical called THC, as the chemical enters the brain, it causes the user to feel euphoric” “Marijuana over activates the end cannabinoids system, causing the “high” and other effects that users experience. These effects include altered perceptions

Due to brain development in teenagers, they are two to four times more likely to become addicted than users who begin in adulthood; one in every six teenage user becomes addicted. An estimated 2.7 million people who are 12 or older depend on the daily use of marijuana (New England Journal of Medicine). There have been studies conducted that compare adults who smoked

Since there currently is no way to accurately, safely, and easily test drivers for marijuana impairment, more drivers will avoid being charged, causing more automotive accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Also, alcohol and marijuana mixing is extremely dangerous, and will become more common at household parties once the drug is legalized. This will increase the number of tragic youth deaths annually. A common counter-argument employed by the federal government is legalization will protect Canadians from additives found in illegally sourced marijuana by offering a legal way to purchase it in a regulated setting.