Marijuana should be forbidden in the United States - Essay Example

Marijuana is considered to be the most common and widely used illegal drug worldwide and in the US about 100 million people have admitted to trying the substance at least once (Marijuana Facts and Statistics, 2012; Marijuana Prohibition, 2008). Another survey has estimated that around 6000 first-timers use the drug in America (Marijuana Facts and Statistics, 2012). Studies have shown that the drug is the leading cause for disorders arising due to substance dependence apart from alcohol. While the number of marijuana users is currently lesser compared to alcohol or tobacco, its legalization would only result in an increase in its usage which could result in long-term addiction problems (DuPont, 2012).

A study carried out in 2006 has found that marijuana is the most widely grown cash crop in the country with values exceeding that of corn and wheat combined (Marijuana Prohibition, 2008). While the plant was widely grown in the US, a federal law of Controlled Substance Act that was passed in the year 1970 prohibited the cultivation, use and trading of the drug within the country. The Act further classified the drug as a Schedule 1 drug by which the drug has more potential for abuse. However, in the following years certain states decriminalized the use of the drug and allowed medical use of marijuana as its use was found to be effective in the treatment of nausea, rheumatism and labor pains (Marijuana Facts and Statistics, 2012).

Though the drug continues to be a controlled substance and users are subject to federal prosecution, research studies have shown that even teenagers have easy access to the drug with a particular study showing that popularity of the use of marijuana overtook that of cigarette tobacco over the past year (Marijuana Facts and Statistics, 2012; Marijuana Prohibition, 2008; Coffman &Dobuzinskis, 2012). An anti-legalization group has argued that marijuana use poses a great risk for the physical and mental development of young children (Coffman &Dobuzinskis, 2012; DuPont, 2012).

A recent study showed a decline in the IQ levels among teenagers who used the drug regularly. The study further noted the harmful effects that the drug would have on the brain development in these teenagers. Thus the group is campaigning against legalization of the drug citing the negative effects it has on teenagers which would in turn affect their education and career later in life. There is also less awareness about the exact effects of the drug that has hindered efforts to prevent the use of the drug (Coffman &Dobuzinskis, 2012; DuPont, 2012).

A report from the National Drug control policy has cited that prolonged use of the drug will result in respiratory, poor motor functioning and cognitive impairment apart from the addiction and mental illnesses caused by the drug. The report further states that the medical use of marijuana has no approval or clearance from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Though there has been some medical value associated with some orally administered components of the drug, research has clearly shown no evidence of any form of health benefit from smoked marijuana.

There is, however, continued research carried out to understand the exact medical effect of several other components of the drug which can be administered in a safe manner (Marijuana, n.d). A large percentage of individuals who are serving their sentence for criminal offence have been found to be abusers of marijuana compared to the combined percentage of all the other violent crimes, and a majority of them are for possession of the drug (Marijuana Facts and Statistics, 2012; Marijuana Prohibition, 2008).

About 30% of those arrested include minors involved in the buying and selling in addition to using the drug (Marijuana Facts and Statistics, 2012; Marijuana Prohibition, 2008). Those against the legalization have compared legal gambling to the use and sale of marijuana. While legalization of gambling has not reduced the occurrence of illegal gambling in the country a similar situation could be encountered with legalization of marijuana. While marijuana is already a leading causative factor for accidents and other road injuries, legalization of the drug will only increase the number of accidents (Marijuana Prohibition, 2008) 2.

Thus, instead of advocating legalization of the drug both for general and medical use, it would be more appropriate and wise if stringent measures are introduced to curb the illegal use of the drug, especially among youth as addiction in the early years could be extremely difficult to withdraw later in life and also it would have a major effect on the quality of life of the individual. Implementation of smart-drug prevention protocols, continuous monitoring of drugged driving and creating a general awareness about the harmful effects of the drug will help in the improvisation of the health and life of people (DuPont, 2012).

ReferencesCoffman, K., & Dobuzinskis, A. (2012). Opponents of legalizing marijuana focus in risk to teens. Reuters.com. Retrieved Nov. 22, 2012, from http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/22/us-usa-marijuana-legalization-idUSBRE88L07S20120922 DuPont, R. L. (2012). Why we should not legalize marijuana. cnbc.com. Retrieved Nov. 22, 2012, from http://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223Marijuana. (n.d). Office of the Drug Control Policy. Retrieved Nov. 22, 2012, from http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/marijuanaMarijuana Facts and Statistics. (2012). Retrieved Nov.

22, 2012, from http://www.backslashonline.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=1504:marijuana-facts-and-statistics Marijuana Prohibition Facts. (2008). Retrieved Nov. 22, 2012, from http://www.mpp.org/assets/pdfs/download-materials/MJ_ProhibFacts092008.pdf