In the introduction Hall discusses the states that have already passed laws about the legalization of marijuana which then leads the potential effects. Some of the main concerns that show strong rebuttal point are that adolescents can become impaired in school, disorders in children whose mothers used cannabis while pregnant, and how some users can develop psychotic ... ... middle of paper ... ...e Implementation and Evolution of the Commercial Recreational Cannabis Market in Colorado." International Journal of Drug Policy, vol. 27, 2016., pp. 1-12doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.12.001.
We also have various arguments from the medical perspective and how they claim it can be beneficial to various individuals. Then there is another argument which brings up the fact that while marijuana remains to be illegal we will see an increase in criminal activity not just from the United States but the international borders as well. We need to realize that legalizing marijuana would be a huge step into creating a sense of revenue within the United States without the problems that alcohol and cigarettes bring. Marijuana can ruin people’s lives by making a criminal record for those who simply choose to be in possession and smoke marijuana. Why should the government continue to inflict harm on a drug that has virtually no reason to be banned in the first place?
Those who are in favor for marijuana legalization consider the ‘War on Drugs’ as an expensive disappointment. Billions of needless dollars are spent to incarcerate individuals that choose to use a substance that is less harmful and addictive than alcohol or prescribed medications. In addition, pro-marijuana advocate also suggest that if marijuana were to be legalized, the government could control the substance, very much like tobacco and alcohol. A method to control the purity of distributed marijuana, tracking marijuana use in the United States, and collect tax on the revenue. Which allows the government to have ample money to ut... ... middle of paper ... ... put an end to the illegal distribution of the substance.
However, marijuana is one of the most misunderstood drugs on the market. Keeping it illegal just causes more problems. Fully legalizing marijuana, while making sure it is controlled with limitations much like alcohol and tobacco, would boost our economy, bring in more jobs, and medically help many people. Even with the inevitable negatives that come with the legalization, it is definitely safe to say that the positives outweigh those negatives. The source for what we like to call “hemp” or “marijuana” is the cannabis plant.
Although some will claim marijuana should not be legalized for medicinal purposes because it has harmful effects and is a gateway drug, I feel that it should be legalized. Marijuana should be legalized for medicinal purposes because it has many positive effects on diseases and health conditions. Marijuana should also be legalized for medicinal purposes because it is safer and less toxic than many other drugs that physicians are prescribing every day. For over 10,000 years, the marijuana plant has been used by humans. Marshall (2005) stated, “The first record of human consumption of marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes dates back to 2737 B.C., when the Chinese emperor Shen Neng recorded the use of cannabis to treat gout, malaria, beriberi, rheumatism and poor memory.” (p.136).
This still leads to corruption, drug cartels, the black market, and prohibiting the right to make choices. If the people want it legalized, the government should legalize it and regulate it like alcohol and tobacco. The benefits of legalization would help the Unit... ... middle of paper ... ...Want to Legalize Marijuana." Rolling Stone. 27 Jun 2013: n. page.
Pickerill, J. M., and P. Chen. "Medical Marijuana Policy and the Virtues of Federalism." Publius: The Journal of Federalism 38.1 (2007): 22-55. Web. Clark, Peter.
In addition, many believe that because marijuana is in fact a drug it is morally unjust to use it. On the other hand, some people believe that business should have freedom to a “free market” and should ultimately be able to sell whatever they please. In addition, the legalization of marijuana could be be... ... middle of paper ... ...ame opportunity to do as they please. After looking at all the costs and benefits to each option of the government, I believe that the best choice would be in the legalization of marijuana with the implementation of a high tax. This idea seems like the most logical because although the moral issue comes into play, if the tax is high enough than the quantity demanded would be the same as it is with the prohibition.
People should know the facts for both sides of this issue before choosing whether it should remain illegal or become a legal substance. Legalizing marijuana could boost the economy by opening job markets, increase tax revenue for the government, plus, it would put the American tax-payers money to better use. People fail to see the positive outcomes of legalizing marijuana because they are too busy looking at the negative points against weed. There are solid facts against the arguments to keep marijuana an illegal substance however. There are two main reasons some Americans voice against the legalization of marijuana; it’s a so-called “gateway” drug and it can be harmful.
It does not cause any harm to anybody’s life so why punish for it. It seems like the state governments has took the incentive of some what legalizing it, but the national government can still punish those people in the states that have possession of cannabis. States have looked at the positive side of legalizing cannabis, which includes raising tax revenues, eliminating arrests, undercutting black markets and associated harms from corruption and violence, and limiting youth access. These factors are positive effects of legalizing marijuana. This is their strongest point they have, which may be the cause of not legalizing cannabis nationally.