Why Marijuana Should Not Be Legalized - Essay Example

Why Marijuana Should Not Be LegalizedThe legalization of using marijuana, allegedly for medicinal purposes, had been such a controversial issue. One’s stand is to oppose its legalization. For the purpose of this current discourse, it is likewise noteworthy to present the view that opposes one’s contention: the rationale for proposing legalization of marijuana. In the arguments proposed by Nathan, a clinical psychiatrist, he averred that “a better approach is to bring pot into the open, make it legal for people over the age of 21, and educate children from a young age about the actual dangers of its recreational use” (Nathan par. 3). The arguments of Nathan were actually appropriately substantiated and credible due to his medical background.

Therefore, his expertise on the profound effects of marijuana is validated. In fact, he confirmed that “I am also a physician who understands that the negative legal consequences of marijuana use are far worse than the medical consequences” (Nathan par. 2). But despite the obvious negative effects, it was deemed more advantageous to promote for its legalization given the following reasons: (1) at the current status of marijuana still being considered prohibited by law; there apparently continues continued trade and sale which apparently contributes to vagrant criminal activities through illicit drug use and trade; (2) the continued popularity of marijuana leads to “the potential for adulteration of black-market cannabis and the substitution of even more dangerous copycat compounds” (Nathan par. 9); (3) as emphasized, “natural marijuana poses much less danger than synthetic cannabinoids -- legal or otherwise” (Nathan par. 9). His arguments are therefore worth reflecting on.

Work CitedNathan, David. "Why marijuana should be legal for adults." 9 January 2013. CNN. 25 January 2013 .