What are the positive and negative effects of legalizing marijuana - Essay Example

The positive and negative effects of legalizing marijuana Thesis Legal use of marijuana has a great impact tothe society. This comes in terms of economic growth generated from the income of black markets. This does not imply that the negative effects associated with the use of marijuana are eliminated. Incidences such as violence and other immoral activities are always evident. Introduction In the United States, Marijuana is the most abused drug. Some states countries like California, Colorado and Maryland among others have allowed its use for medical purposes (Caulkins, et al. 3). In Many states, the use and production of marijuana is illegal and the laws prohibit the same due to its harmful effects.

Although it is illegal to use it, many people have continued to either sell or abuse it. These illegal activities associated with the use of marijuana leads to violence and fraud by some public officers for them to conceal the matter. The issue of legalizing marijuana raises questions on whether to change the laws to make it legal (Caulkins, et al. 4) This means that the production, sale and use of marijuana will not be done by criminals but farmers, wholesalers and merchants since it is legal.

EffectsEconomic growth The issue of legalizing marijuana in U.S was first introduced in the twenty-first century as economists found it as a source of revenue (Morgan 12). Income in the form of tax revenue would be realized from the sale of marijuana like any other legal trade. In addition, it is argued that the cost of arresting, detaining, and disciplining the marijuana traffickers would be used in performing other essential activities. In contrast, other economists argue that due to legalization of the drug, many people would become addicts leading to increase in violent and criminal activities.

This means that security will be at stake as the police department will have to act on the addicts (Morgan 13). Therefore, the short term income realized from the sale of marijuana will be diverted in maintaining peace and security. Additionally, there would be decrease in production since energetic and able minds will be diverted to drugs. This means that the economy will lag behind as some contribution is lost. According to some doctors, marijuana is useful to people with AIDS, cancer, anxiety among others and should be legalized.

It is also known in the treatment of allergies, anesthetic and sedative. On the other side, marijuana is harmful to human beings as it leads to mental and addictions (Morgan 22). ConclusionMarijuana has both negative and positive effects to users and the society at large. The major reason behind illegalizing marijuana is to protect the community and families from destructive activities that would affect the society. It is the duty of the government to amend the laws on the use of marijuana in an effective way.

For example, the law can allow the production and use of marijuana only for essential uses like medical cases. Work cited:Caulkins, Jonathan, et al. Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012. Print. Morgan, Kayla. Legalizing Marijuana. Minneapolis: ABDO, 2010. Print.