Should we be pleased about the amount of time Congress is taking to construct a safe and practical program for recreational marijuana use? There are many different perspectives on marijuana use, and it is still up for discussion in Congress.
Normally, this is something that would be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is incumbent upon Congress to disclose all of its research (if any) that supports the long-term effects of marijuana, including: addiction, gateway paths, cancers, organ effects and, most importantly, intellectual and emotional development of our youth population. The Asbury Park Press and other news outlets have provided an ongoing plethora of negative facts from scientific research organizations, state law enforcement experts, medical doctors and now even data from states that have previously legalized recreational the drug for recreational use.
State and local governments in the U.S. began regulating the sale of marijuana in the late 1800s. Many of the states further restricted the drug in 1906 by calling it a poison. In the 1920s, most states banned marijuana altogether, around the same time as a federal ban on alcohol was included in the constitution. The ban was lifted in the 1930s. Marijuana has since been banned in the United States.
Some states are now passing laws that allow the use of marijuana for medical reasons, but advocates say the drug has many strong benefits for even recreational purposes. There are advantages and disadvantages to be considered on both sides of the argument.
The Argument for the Legalization of Marijuana
Proponents of marijuana legalization often stick to the fight for medical marijuana, rather than fighting for blanket legalization for all users including recreational users. Others say it should be controlled and taxed like cigarettes and alcohol so anyone who is at a certain age can legally buy it. Here are some arguments for the legalization of marijuana:
- Criminalization limits personal freedom
- Drug dealers lose their business with legalization
- Fewer young adults became criminals
- Release courts and police resources for “more important” issues
- Industrial use for cannabis, eg. B. Clothes
- Arguably less harmful than alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs (in moderation)
- Medicinal benefits, particularly for AIDS and cancer patients
- Reduce violent crime related to drug-related disputes
- Tax revenue when selling marijuana
The Case Against the Legalization of Marijuana
Opponents of legalizing marijuana also have numerous arguments to defend their stance, including the following:
- Marijuana arrests remove criminals from the streets who would be likely to commit more serious crimes in the future
- It’s slippery slope; Tougher drugs such as cocaine and narcotics can be legalized once marijuana is legal
- Marijuana can serve as step stones for harder drugs such as crack and heroin
- More young children would have access to marijuana if sold in shops
- More people would do long-term damage to their bodies from overuse of the drug if it were legalized
- People driving under the influence can cause accidents, similar to drunk driving
- Secondhand smoke would increase
- There are moral oppositions to using marijuana
There is no denying that marijuana has harmful side effects, which is why it was criminalized for so long. The question now is that enough still enough make it illegal?