Marijuana Legalization - Essay Example

Marijuana Legalization In recent years, the marijuana legalization debate has picked up steam. Years back the issue was nonexistent with a large majority accepting marijuana as a social ailment. However, during recent years the argument has gained momentum as supporters of marijuana legalization have emerged. The immense popularity of the drug has gained quite a few users who are now slowly coming out of the negative social stigma attached to the illicit drug. The marijuana legalization debate holds vital importance not only due to its connection with state laws but also due to its user base demographics. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana usage is high among teenagers studying in schools and colleges (n.pag.). Students as young as in grade 8th are taking the drug which reflects their positive attitude towards the drug. During recent years, the use has increased sharply suggesting the degree of issue. Due to the prevalence of the drug’s usage among young people and the extent of the issue, the issue is worth an argument. In this paper, I will try to make a case against the legalization of marijuana and consider the points highlighted by Mark Kleiman in his article ‘Marijuana Legalization Doesn’t Have to Lead to Commercialization’. The most important reason for anyone to debate on the subject of marijuana legalization is because of its relevance to young people. Advocates of marijuana legalization in Washington, DC have voted on the legalization of marijuana and approved the move by an overwhelming majority. Kleiman mentions in his article that the district officials of the states are now looking to create a market for buying and selling of marijuana which was previously prohibited from selling under the ‘grow and give’ framework (n.pag.). In the article, Kleiman points out his argument against the creation of a profit motivated market for marijuana (n.pag.). It is true that commercialization of marijuana is disadvantageous. For one, it can cause many problems for states where marijuana is still illegal. Legalization of marijuana in Washington alone is likely to have its repercussions on other states where the drug is prohibited, a risk which also pointed out by Kleiman (n.pag.). Creation of an official market for marijuana will spark its trafficking to other states through underground channels. The most obvious impact is the rise in inter-state travelling in Washington for recreational usage of the drug. As such, there is a great likelihood that marijuana availability in Washington will result in easy acquisition and trafficking of the drug to other states. In his article, Mark Kleiman has argued against the commercialization of marijuana. My argument pertains to the legitimacy of even legalizing marijuana. Marijuana legalization comes at great social costs especially for the young user base of the illicit drug. Beyond having health risks, the issue involves social risks for the young population affecting their future. To answer Kleiman’s argument, commercialization of marijuana even exists in states where the drug is illegal. However, such a market for buying and selling marijuana is essentially an underground one. In a state where marijuana has been officially legalized, it makes more sense to formally commercialize the drug thereby resulting in the emergence of a lucrative market which can potentially earn huge revenues for the government in taxes. However, doing so has its costs on adolescents and teenagers who are the most frequent users of marijuana. Mental illnesses have been found to be a great risk for marijuana users and legalizing the drug will offer the drug for open usage without any restriction. Marijuana legalization is particularly risky due to its impact on health. While the state hopes to achieve some good by legalizing marijuana in Washington, the ‘grow and give’ policy also has its downsides. While the move reduces the incentive for marijuana users within the state, it offers many opportunities for spread of the drug to other states. Unless implemented consistently across all the states, the program is ineffective. However, the facts still remain that legalization of the drug itself is a risky act with uncertainties regarding unrestrictive availability of the drug which can have as much health side effects as it can cause social damages. It is therefore more viable for law enforcement agencies to try to track down the illegal underground market at work for these illegal drugs rather legalizing it, expecting to see a reduction in marijuana usage. The underground commercialization which exists today must be restricted through strict drug laws. Kleiman has offered two reasons against the commercialization of marijuana in Washington (n.pag.). First is the drug abuse. There is no doubt allowing commercialization of the drug will result in increased drug abuse due to little to no restrictions. Heavy taxation is an option that can be imposed on the drug but some dealers growing the drug can find ways of evading the tax thereby giving rise to an underground market again. Legalizing marijuana and allowing growth of the marijuana plant will provide easy accessibility for those seeking to misuse the drug. There is a need to counter the issue through effective policy making that aims to restrict the usage of marijuana beyond the prescribed usage for medical purposes. Commercialization cannot help address the issue and nor can legalization because it tends to promote the ills of marijuana usage by the youth rather than curb its adverse effects. Kleiman (n.pag.) has pointed out that commercialization will significantly reduce the costs of the drug. This can help discourage the sale of marijuana for a high price in illegal underground markets. However, for the most states, this is a dangerous attempt to control the usage of marijuana. The perceived risks of the drug are still unknown among teenagers and adolescents and most of the youth have a positive attitude regarding the drug. The more people perceive the drug to be less harmful, the greater is their usage. There is a need for perceptual change that raises awareness of the drug’s harmful impact on the brain, cognition, and mental health. Drug usage among teenagers and adolescents has often been associated with crimes and it is another social issue to consider. Marijuana usage is harmful not only for an individual but also has its effects on the society. Hence, marijuana legalization can provided an uncontrolled and unrestricted channel for users as well as dealers of marijuana. Currently many gangs are involved in the trafficking of marijuana and these include Dominican, Cuban, and other gangs that control several routes for the transportation of the drug. While legalization in Washington has enabled people to grow their own marijuana plants, it is likely that the ills will continue to have their effect while the criminal gangs will get access to the drug more easily and legally within Washington but for sale outside the state. Kleiman (n.pag.) has suggested the evaluation of the ‘grow and give’ initiative which currently aims at non-commercial usage and growth of the drug plant. However, the system itself is flawed as it promotes marijuana usage and all the downsides that come with it. The system itself is flawed due to its inconsistency and failure to address the heart of the issue which is its social as well as health costs. Therefore, marijuana should not be legalized and there should be effective drug control laws that control its usage for medical purposes. And if it is to be legalized at some states, high taxes shouldn’t be imposed so as to prevent the misuse. Works Cited Kleiman, Mark. 'Marijuana Legalization Doesn't Have To Lead To Commercialization’ .NY Times. N.p., 2014. Web. 6 Dec. 2014. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 'Drugfacts: High School And Youth Trends'. N.p., 2014. Web. 6 Dec. 2014. Read More