Arguments for Marijuana Legalization - Essay Example

One of the reasons for supporting the legalization of the drug is the fact that it is equally harmful as other legal drugs, especially if marijuana is taken responsibly. Drugs such as alcohol and cigarettes with high levels of tobacco are just as harmful as marijuana. As a result, marijuana should be treated in the same way as these drugs are and should be legalized alongside the drugs. Marijuana should also be legalized because its illegalization is a breach of people’s freedom that is provided for by the Constitution. Individuals' freedom of choice, for example, allows people to make their own decisions, as long as such decisions do not interfere with other people’s rights. Responsible consumption of marijuana in an isolated place is an example of activities that do not interfere with other people. Consequently, making the drug illegal hinders people’s freedom to choose whether to use marijuana or not. The drug should therefore be legal so that people can decide whether to use it or refrain from using it (Messerli, 2011).

While the illegalization of the drug has restricted its access which is currently only available through organized criminal gangs who sell it at expensive prices, its legalization will allow for a free market. This will lead to a price reduction and will kick the gangs out of the market. As a result, crime rates will reduce and those who wish to use the drug responsibly will get it at affordable prices. Some people also use marijuana for medicinal purposes such as to cure some diseases or to manage some conditions. Illegalization of the drug however makes it unavailable and expensive for the individuals leading to suffering. This also forces them to use alternative medicines that may be expensive or may contain toxic chemicals. The legalization of marijuana, therefore, has both health benefits and economic benefits, factors that are the government’s core goals. Relevant government agencies should therefore facilitate the legalization of the drug for healthy and more economically stable citizens. Legalizing marijuana will also facilitate the roles of law enforcement agencies by allowing them to deal with more serious crimes. This is because offenders on counts of possession, use, or selling of marijuana are many and their cases burden the law enforcement agencies. Legalizing the drug will also allow for its regulation by government agencies for health and safety standards. As a result, legalization will ensure safety among those who use the drug while its continued illegalization is risking the lives of those that can still access and use the drug illegally (Messerli, 2011).

Further, attempts to control the use of marijuana by making it illegal as failed. This is particularly because the drug is commonly used and even abused. As a result, making it illegal does not achieve the purpose. It should therefore be legalized and different avenues for controlling its use should be modified. The government can for example restrict its sale to a prescription basis. Members of some religions also use marijuana for religious purposes and its illegalization discriminates against the religions such as the Hindu (Mjlegal, 2002).

Arguments against legalization

Those who argue against the legalization of marijuana however identify reasons such as its addictive nature, its negative effects on the brain, poor performance in school, and higher probability of involvement in crime. Most of these effects are reported among youths who are more vulnerable to peer pressure. Research reports have also suggested that individuals who start using drugs at an earlier age are more vulnerable to these effects (Cadca, n.d.).

Conclusion

While arguments exist against the legalization of marijuana, such arguments are not specific and do not consider the effects of other drugs that are legal and yet they have similar effects to marijuana. Alcohol and tobacco are for example addictive as marijuana is and affects the brain. Legalizing marijuana will however induce no harm than has already been experienced from other drugs. Besides, the legalization has medicinal, economic, and social benefits besides promoting people’s freedom of choice. Marijuana should therefore be legalized to allow society to enjoy these benefits.