Marijuana and Its Legalization - Coursework Example

Legalization of Marijuana Introduction Drug and substance abuse has been a controversial issue for policy makers for quite some time. In their endeavors to end the vice, they face a number of challenges, so the dream remains unrealized. Among the commonly abused drugs is marijuana. Marijuana is a schedule one drug that is quite addictive and vulnerable substance in the society. The fact it is listed in the schedule one category confirms that it yet has no medical use. Other illegal substances that have issues with their legalization include cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines. To date, some states highly support the legalization setting policies to support the process, while to others; it is an act against the states’ laws (Gladstone, et al 17). Nevertheless, the legalization of marijuana has for a while been a topic of discussion based on the significance attached to its trade and use. Marijuana and its legalization Legalization of marijuana has been a contentious issue in most of the countries on the globe. It was in the U.S.A that marijuana was first legalized for medical purposes. With time, demand for its use in recreation purposes and, consequently, for its legalization has risen. This raises issues on its consumer, its use in public, and its taxation. One of the purposes for its legalization is to get rid of the bad opinions that people usually have about it. However, critics have not found this a reason enough for its legalization. The legalization of marijuana has raised voices from prominent leaders including President Clinton and Barrack Obama. A variety of authors has also documented issues as far as this topic is concerned. For instance, Susa Sontag (2007) says that serious writers should not only feature in articles that support immorality; they should rather, communicate their view by newscast and talk shows. From governments’ assertions, marijuana is purposely considered illegal for protecting its citizens from harmful things. This is because most of the users become violent when they induce marijuana into their bodies, which may result in violent actions to the surrounding environment (Barbour 38). I disagree with the claim that the government protects the whole society from actions that may endanger their peaceful existence. This does not give enough reasons because it is not the government’s role to decide what is people are to consume. The government cannot perfectly monitor whatever happens in the individual lives, hence, due to its unstable nature, it can easily slip away from the vigilance of the law enforcement authorities. Race and class discriminations still determine restriction from marijuana use. Limitations on the use of marijuana in some of the states are based on discriminations and racial differences. Arguably, with the increased changes in our human rights, it will increase equality if we do away with such discriminating laws. It is due to discriminatory reasons that marijuana was illegalized in North America during the period of early 1960s. It was farmers’ main product of income, but with its illegalization, the farmers could no longer cultivate to use for their needs. This proved disadvantageous to such farmers. We are living in new times, therefore, there is a need to do away with such discriminatory laws (Morgan 64). The fact that the government has restricted the use of marijuana, significant loses to both the government and individuals is realized. We lose friends who were marijuana users, and their properties ceased, affects the country both economically and financially. We have seen families get back to the streets as the government, due to marijuana scandals, confiscated their properties. Economists have given proof that the process of a complete seizure of marijuana is too expensive, and hence it would be cheaper if the government only amended limited restrictions on the use of marijuana. As a result, Nelson Mandela’s policy of understanding our enemies to strategize their actions for the best attack position, is a common policy applied by users of marijuana (Gladstone et al, 18). They use this policy of evading the police. The government has introduced strict rules on the use of marijuana and quite severe punishment for individuals involved. However, critics have argued that it is unnecessarily cruel towards marijuana issues, who are denied their jobs and sources of earning income. It is, therefore, arguable that such action from the government only makes the country’s economy deteriorate. In addition, this strict restriction on the use of marijuana has resulted in a failure to report any crimes that relate to marijuana; hence, no justice is done for us, who suffer from such crimes (Barbour 40). Individuals convicted of possession or uses of cannabis are denied their rights to be with their families and get imprisoned; some die in prison while others undergo traumatizing experiences while in the cells. The law on restriction has greatly failed its purpose of implementation; victims still use cannabis, showing the law has not been effective. As such, better implementation is required to ensure that it fully protects the society. We need laws that are going to protect us from evils that are termed as national crimes. Laws should encompass and cover all the aspects related to marijuana and its evils rather than make us fearful of reporting marijuana related evils. If the government legalized the use of marijuana, then it would start earning revenue by taxing any income we earn from trading marijuana. Tax earned by the government is re-invested back into the society for development purposes. In addition, some of the substances and activities that the government has legalized are of much harm as compared to use of marijuana. They include the use of alcohol and tobacco. I have witnessed people suffer greatly due to the use of tobacco and alcohol, as compared to those who use marijuana. Therefore, the government does not attain its main target of protecting us from harmful activities (Gladstone et al 21). Some of the governments advocate for the legalization of marijuana after spending enormous time in discussions and debate on whether to legalize marijuana. States like Washington and Colorado have allowed the use of marijuana for recreational purposes (Morgan 66). Once confirmed for use as medicine, marijuana has played an instrumental role in reducing crime rates. For instance, before it was first used as medicine, the rate of crime in the west coast was high. These crimes rates have reportedly had a significance decrease since its legalization. This is in comparison with the east coast where it was still considered illegal. We should hence try to show the government that legalization of weed is not as costly as illegalizing it, since it can be a primary source of income for many citizens. The number of deaths due to use of drugs are on the rise, so the government needs to come in and restrict the access of our children to drugs, but marijuana should not be in the category of such drugs. People who use drugs like tobacco suffer from severe chest complications and breathing problems. I believe that the government is always aimed at maintaining the welfare of its citizens; hence, there arises the need for illegalizing drugs (Gladstone et al. 39). Many states consider marijuana a harmful drug, but this should not be the case. Considering the negative economic impact, the use of marijuana should, instead, be encouraged. Therefore, the states, which have effectively ensured that the restrictions placed on use of marijuana are met, should lessen these rules. In doing so, its citizens are well protected from, and country’s economic impacts are boosted. From their opinion, legalization of marijuana enhances its availability even to our young children, but I believe that, economically, the country is promoted. For instance, as a fast growing industry, taxation of marijuana will generate revenue to the country. Consequently, the revenue will be used for development of infrastructure and other social issues. In fact, the illegalization of marijuana and lying of restrictions does not give complete protection on the minors, but only exposes them to its early use (Morgan 69). Globally, unemployment has been an issue. With marijuana’s legalization, many unemployed individuals will get involved in the industry because it is one among the fast growing industries. Many of the election campaigns were marked with mighty promises, which included job opportunities for the youths. One of the easiest ways to make this dream realizable is through legalizing marijuana. Evidently, many youths will have the opportunity to get self-employed. The result is reduced idleness consequently translating to reduced crimes. Eventually, legalization of marijuana will have helped stop crimes, as opposed to critics’ argument of increased crimes. Studies confirm that when one learns under the influence of marijuana he/she is more likely to perform better. This is from the fact that such an individual can take more time in studies resulting to an increase in their class performance. The belief that legalization of marijuana is likely to increase crime rates and increase an individual’s chances to face danger is not true. With or without marijuana, road accidents are in the increase due to the lack of focus when driving and slow response to dangers on the road. As such, marijuana should not be considered the leading cause of accidents anymore (Morgan 71). It is true that the government should protect all its citizens with all enjoying equal rights. Individuals detained for marijuana related crimes have the freedom of expression and representation in court. In fact, the government should pass a law that any individual retained for the use of marijuana should be released and compensated for the loss such an individual incurred. This is from the opinion that the person was promoting the success of the country more that demoting it. Further, such an individual should have gained more in business related to marijuana, promoting the economy of the country more. In case of addiction, the addicts should also be taken to correction centers and get help in making better use of their lives by getting training and counseling services at the correction centers. Rehabilitation is a better way of helping transform an individual from an addicted one to a free one. Advice from seniors like elders, church leaders, and parents is also of great importance to help marijuana victims free themselves from the addiction. Individuals considering marijuana illegal need to study and understand the research proof that the drug is more of a medicinal drug than a stimulating factor. In many occasions, it has been realized that users of marijuana are not prone to diseases. Marijuana might, though in minimal occasions become a burden when one is addicted. However, marijuana addicts can also be given advise on better methods of getting relief that are more healthy than being detained. These include taking part in environment cleaning activities, visiting the elderly, children homes, and taking part in planting trees. These are better methods of saving energy by doing creative and helpful things rather than taking part in self-wasting activities. Worth noting, marijuana can help individuals make up constructive ideas and have feelings that help them perform better in their activities (Barbour 45). Conclusion To conclude, studies show that marijuana has been used for medical purposes and recreational reasons. This confirms that use of marijuana is not dangerous as perceived since there are no confirmed side effects. It is worth understanding that we are the society that the government protects, and we should work together with the government in enhancing suitable society by reporting violent actions. However, any action should not be personal. This means that governments should consider the significance of a product before they declare it illegal and the positive impact it has both to the government and the person involved. As such, drugs, like marijuana whose side effects are not yet confirmed should be legalized.Work Cited Gladstone, Brooke et al. The Influencing Machine: Brooke Gladstone on the Media. New York, NY: W.W. Norton, 2011. Print. The analysis of this book is about a machine that is capable of influencing the performance of the human body. This machines influence the performance and thinking of humans just as marijuana does. Marijuana pushes people to doing things out of their instincts. Barbour, Scott. Should Marijuana Be Legalized? San Diego, CA: ReferencePoint Press, 2011. Print. This book is based on the dilemma in the society on whether marijuana should be legalized and some of the effects it brings. The author also adds on the impact of the law on illegalization of marijuana., and the benefits and disadvantages it casts to the society. Morgan, Kayla. Legalizing Marijuana. Edina, MN: ABDO Pub. Co, 2011. Print. The author of this article is in support of legalization of marijuana basing it on the advantages that the government enjoys including taxes, jobs for its natives, and boost of the economy. This book views the use of marijuana from a legal perspective and advocates for its legalization. Stoned, I. M. Weed: 420 Things You Didnt Know (or Remember) About Cannabis. Avon, Mass: Adams Media, 2009. Print. This book discusses the various ways that marijuana can be used for, i.e. to enhance one’s appetite or for companion purposes. The writer shows how friends smoke marijuana for different purposes. He warns people of the side effects, how to deal with them, and what law punishment it entails. Read More