Legalization of Marijuana Should Not Happen

The legalization of marijuana is a very controversial issue that is being debated across the United States. In the article "Going to Pot?," by Damon Linker, Linker attempts to persuade readers that legalizing of marijuana can cause more harm than help. This publication was released in November of 2001. Although two other writers, Richard Lowry and Andrew Sullivan, try to change readers beliefs Linker maintains his stance against marijuana. Without discrediting their facts he explains and defends why he feels they are wrong. The article is formal and although religion is not talked about, morals and society standards are questioned. Throughout the argument, Linker proves that effects of marijuana are detrimental to our society and will hinder social relations if legalized by our government. Linker is trying to sway the 34% of Americans who believe marijuana should be legalize to realize that more future problems will come from legalization.

The audience Linker is reaching is primarily readers of the Religion and Public Life Monthly Journal. He is also trying to reach the 34% of Americans that approve the legalization of marijuana and the conservatives that seem to be shifting from prohibition to legalization. Linker focuses on today’s generation of parents and young adults because the choice will be in their hands soon. Society, as a whole, does not want marijuana to be legalized but as Linker states the attitudes appear to be shifting. The act of smoking marijuana is still perceived as bad and something that is looked down upon in society. The beliefs of people today are not the same as it was thirty years ago, and will continue to shift for times to come.

Linker’s claims are logical and have basis. He p...

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... article. This argument is good for the average American who knows little of the effects of marijuana. According to Linkers facts 66% of America still believe marijuana should not be legalized. This article is good for them because even if they were thinking of shifting opinions he proves that it would be wrong to legalize marijuana. Those Americans are the people that would agree with this argument because they want to believe that marijuana is harmful and should not be legalized. Obviously the other two authors and the 34% of America that believe marijuana should be legalized would disagree with this article. They could disagree with this continuously but the fact is that marijuana, however pleasurable it may be and seemingly less harmful than cigarettes, is still harmful in the long-term. The consequences of using and legalizing marijuana far outweigh the benefits.