The debate on the legalization of marijuana has for a long time been a contentious issue, with the intensity of the argument increasing in intensity in recent years. Significant research and evidence have been provided to substantiate both sides of the argument, with contradicting opinions that are based on the personal motives of the debater. Marijuana (cannabis) has been regarded as a recreational drug in history, leading to its categorization as a schedule one drug. Schedule one drugs have a high propensity of being abused. Despite the ban on cannabis, the popularity of the drug seems to upsurge as its use has been shown to be on the rise among different demographic groups (Crockett, 2014). In recent years, there have been compelling research and findings to suggest that the legal stance on marijuana has to be looked at from a new perspective. The basis for outlawing the drug does not seem to match the new bodies of evidence presented in favor of its legalization. In light of the medical, economic, social, and political evidence presented, marijuana should be legalized.
Marijuana is medically beneficial. Several clinical trials using the drug have been successful, with the use of the drug being applied in clinical use as a treatment modality for some conditions. The use of cannabis for medical benefits dates back to about 2,800 BCE in Chinese history (Hill, 2015). The ancient Chinese are reported to have used every part of the drug to treat certain diseases and conditions. The flowers, for example, were used to treat open wounds and to relieve menstrual symptoms. In recent years, cannabis (parts or extracts) have been found to ameliorate disease symptoms in HIV/AIDS. One such example is the case of Charles Pariseau (30), an aids patient. Charles’s legal prescriptions were replaced with marijuana therapy, and his condition significantly improved (Hill, 2015). The sativa extracts contain about 25 phytochemicals which have been proven to be medically beneficial against psychotic disorders and chronic pain. Marijuana, therefore, has a lot of medical benefits (Hill, 2015).
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Marijuana is less harmless than alcohol. Alcohol has detrimental effects to healthy cells and organs and results in approximately 35,000 mortalities in the US yearly due to its associated complications (Keyhani et al., 2018). Massive alcohol misuse can reduce the primary nervous conformity, causing unconsciousness, unconsciousness, and death. Worldwide, alcohol misuse causes an unbelievable four percent of all mortality universal; larger than AIDS, TB or violence. By variation, the actual mixtures in marijuana, identified as cannabinoids, are comparatively nontoxic to humans (Hill, 2015). There have been limited cases on fatal marijuana overdose in contrast to the cases of alcohol intoxication. Marijuana is also less associated with physical violence and recklessness that is often evidenced in alcohol abuse. The difference between cannabis and nicotine is also conspicuous in terms of health implications. There is a general myth hovering around pretending that one marijuana joint is equivalent to five cigarettes. Despite the health hazards posed by nicotine and alcohol, the two drugs are legal while marijuana is not.
Upholding the prohibition of marijuana is costly both to the federal and state governments. According to the US Department of Justice, there were approximately 1,663,582 marijuana-related arrests across the country in 2009 alone (Maier, Mannes, and Koppenhofer, 2017). A lot of funds are directed at ensuring the arrests, prosecution, and detention of those found or suspected of violating the laws on marijuana. With such a large number of arrests, the correctional facilities and detention centers have to strain their resources to keep up with the legal and civil needs of the detainees or prisoners. On the other hand, legalizing marijuana will result in cannabis-based businesses and industries – e.g., the cannabis drug industry. According to Keyhani et al. (2018), this would be a viable taxation opportunity for the government. Not only would the government benefit, but also the citizens and entities involved in the marijuana business. Legalization of the drug would, therefore, generate revenue for the government and its citizens.
Opponents to the legalization of marijuana have raised counter-arguments on the issue. For instance, a basic thought is ‘It is probably illegal to get tipsy,' (Castle, Murray, and D'Souza, 2012). These arguments are usually based on deities and religious doctrines and generalize the views of a few individuals (Keyhani et al., 2018). The state or anyone else for that concern is legally entitled to determine or influence a person’s character, especially when the person’s character or moral being does not violate another person’s constitutional rights or federal or state laws. Then there is the standard, ‘Cannabis is addictive,’ (Crockett, 2014). That is correct, but not in the way indicated. Marijuana is not addictive in either form as are cigarettes; you can get addicted to weed presently as you would get addicted to candy, food or something else in the world, for it is simply psychologically addictive. There are those that insist that weed is a gateway drug and should therefore not be approved. Well, if marijuana applied as a gateway drug, it would be far less effective as such if it was legalized. Prohibition of substances creates a platform for their use as ‘gateway substances.’ The ban only contributes to the increased illegal access and use of the drug.
In conclusion, the long-standing strife between the opponents and proponents of the legalization of marijuana has culminated in further research on whether the drug has other insidious effects besides the known effects. There has also been increased research on whether there are unknown beneficial uses of marijuana. A lot of beneficial effects and uses have been elucidated, in comparison to the negative effects on the use of marijuana. The application of cannabis in medical use and the economic viability of the legalization of the drug trump the opposing views that root for its prohibition. Despite the compelling body of evidence supporting the legalization of marijuana, the final decision is bestowed on the government and other policymakers.
References
Castle, D. J., Murray, R. M., & D'Souza, D. C. (2012). Marijuana and madness . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Crockett, T. (2014). Legalization of Marijuana.
Hill, K. P. (2015). Medical marijuana for treatment of chronic pain and other medical and psychiatric problems: a clinical review. Jama , 313 (24), 2474-2483.
Keyhani, S., Stacey Steigerwald, M. S. S. A., Ishida, J., Vali, M., Cerdá, M., Hasin, D., ... & Cohen, B. E. (2018). Risks and Benefits of Marijuana Use. Annals of internal medicine , 169 (5), 282-290.
Maier, S. L., Mannes, S., & Koppenhofer, E. L. (2017). The implications of marijuana decriminalization and legalization on crime in the United States. Contemporary Drug Problems , 44 (2), 125-146.
