Legalization of Marijuana - Research Paper Example

Legalization of Marijuana Introduction Drug abuse is a significant concern in modern day societies with social, political, economic and health impacts. Marijuana has been in the limelight with drug debates emerging on whether it should be legalized or not. Parties from both sides have presented their arguments with evidence researchers as backup. Opinions from different individuals in the society have led to the legalization of marijuana in some countries and states. Critics, on the other hand, have brought up the side effects of marijuana leading to the passing of laws against the use of bhang. Amid the differences in approaches towards marijuana as a dangerous drug, it has been recommended by doctors for medicinal purposes (Gerber 2004). Thesis: Legalization of marijuana will lead to more benefits than disadvantages. Historical background Marijuana has been used since 2900BC when it was used for medicinal purposes without the knowledge of its side effects (Lee 2012). It was originally used in China where individuals were prescribed to the herbal drug to prevent diarrhea and nausea. In the United States, marijuana became common after a ban on the consumption of alcohol. Cannabis extracts would be sold in licensed pharmacies to cure various infections and in the reduction of stress and fatigue. It would be smoked in public until researchers came up with studies on the side effects of the drug and hence the passing of law in 1947 that would ban the use of marijuana (Lee 2012). It was criminalized and individuals found in possession would undergo harsh penalties. Overtime, the drug has been grown illegally in most countries including the United States and sold without consent of the drug enforcement units. Countries that have already legalized the drug have become sources where drug cartels have assumed ownership and distribution of the drug. In the United States, more than 500,000 individuals are arrested with possession and use charges every year. Marijuana should be legalized Cannabis Sativa should be legalized for health benefits. Research has already proved that the drug has medical capabilities. It can be used to prevent pain and nausea in most individuals. However, upon legalization, marijuana should be regulated by experts. It will reduce the number of illegal marijuana consumption cases that are common in most societies. Marijuana can be used to relieve tiredness and in some cases used as a sleeping aid. Research results have explained that it can be used to prevent nausea that is in most situations caused by chemotherapy due to cancer. Marijuana can be used to improve food appetites that are common in patients suffering from various diseases such as HIV/AIDS (Kilmer 2012). However, the drug has to undergo the right procedure to ensure that only the important extracts are collected. Doctors have carried out researches and results have claimed that marijuana can be used to prevent rare cases of cancer. Medical marijuana has been common in the U.S and Europe where under the right prescriptions, patients have had positive effects. According to health organizations in the United States, smoking of marijuana has not led to cases of lung cancer as found in the use of tobacco (Kilmer 2012). As a result, its legalization will not lead to more health complications like found in earlier situations. There are no marijuana related deaths recorded due to overdoses. Researches and studies are still ongoing but as compared to other drugs, marijuana is rated lowest in terms of side effects. Legalizing the drug will lead to various economic benefits. If legalized, the drug will be grown in large-scale to ensure a steady production. The different processes that are required to manufacture health-friendly extracts from the drug will lead to the development of industries. They will later create employment opportunities to various individuals hence leading to the economic stability of countries. After its production, it will be packed and sold in retail outlets rather than the black market. Money obtained from the sales will lead to better lifestyles. Taxes will help governments increase their income leading to the provision of better public goods and services. The legalizations of the drug will lead to low budget allocation to drug enforcers (Burnham 2011). The fight against drug abuse has led the governments to invest much in strategies to help them keep the drug off the streets. For example, since its criminalization, the government has spent much of taxpayer money to stop the consumption of marijuana. If legalized, the government could channel these funds to other social activities leading to better lifestyles and enhancing security. In cases where other drugs like alcohol and tobacco have been legalized, the government can take advantage and pass laws that regulate the consumption of the drug. They will include fines and jail terms for individuals carrying out activities such as driving under the influence. It will be an income source due to the high number of drug users in the United Sates (Burnham 2011). Countries that have already legalized the drug have discovered an increase in the Gross National Products through income from the produce, sale and taxation of the drug. Legalization of marijuana will prevent cases of overcrowding in prisons (Burnham 2011). Drug abuse has led to the reprimanding of a large population of drug traffickers leading to overcrowding in correctional facilities. Fines will reduce the number of inmates being taken to prisons due to drug abuse. The drug has also been widely used by the young generation that takes the largest share in the population. Racism has also been linked to marijuana where most of the consumers and dealers are Blacks or Hispanics. In prisons, they are the largest population creating arguments that police officers favor the white race. Increase in crimes can be related to the use of the drug since addicts have to keep up with a steady supply. If the drug is legalized, it will be cheaper and locally available to users. The reduced prices will be favorable hence reducing the urge to commit crimes to get drug money. Counter arguments The legalization of marijuana may have more benefits than disadvantages but the process should consider some of its side effects. It has been connected to health complications such as memory loss and making of impaired decisions. Under the influence, users may perform acts that are potentially dangerous to other members of the society (Hawkins 2014). The drug has been connected to social ills such as murder, rape crime among others. Users do not realize their actions until it is too late. It should not be legalized due to public safety. Studies have been conducted and results proved that consumption of marijuana has led to a change in personal lifestyles. Researches carried out in schools show that the drug has led to lower grades because the students do not pay attention in class. Medicinal marijuana should be produced when there is a need for it and not for pleasure (Hawkins 2014). Legalization of marijuana for pleasure will lead to a chain of reaction that will counter its medicinal benefits. Critics argue that the drug is addictive and a gateway to other hard drugs. Research results explain that the use of marijuana leads to the adoption of other drugs such as heroin and cocaine (Hawkins 2014). Effects of marijuana are slow as compared to other hard drugs. Users prefer drugs whose effects can be felt as soon as they consume. Drugs such as cocaine and cocaine can be introduced directly into the blood vessels through use of syringes. For example, studies on addicts of other hard drugs have agreed to start with marijuana until they needed a stronger drug. Conclusion Marijuana has been used for more than 2000 years but has not been fully accepted in the society due to its impact. Its consumption has a negative effect on both individual and public safety and health. Finally, without the use of proper policies, the use of marijuana will continue whether it is legalized or not. References Burnham, A. (2011). Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana. Munich: GRIN Verlag GmbH. Gerber, R. J. (2004). Legalizing marijuana: drug policy reform and prohibition politics. Westport, Conn.: Praeger. Hawkins, J. (2014, January 21). John Hawkins - 5 Reasons Marijuana Should Remain Illegal. townhall.com. Retrieved April 27, 2014, from http://townhall.com/columnists/johnhawkins/2014/01/21/5-reasons-marijuana-should-remain-illegal-n1782086/page/full Kilmer, B. (2012). Marijuana legalization: what everyone needs to know. London:Oxford University Press. Lee, M. A. (2012). Smoke signals: a social history of marijuana: medical, recreational, and scientific. New York: Scribner. Read More