Legalization of Marijuana

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Legalization of Marijuana

Introduction

Marijuana, scientific name Cannabis, is a derivative from the cannabis plant intended for uses of medicinal purposes and psychoactive drug use. In pharmacology, the constituent composition of cannabis in the psychoactive drug use is tetrahydrocannabinol. The active ingredient is among several compounds found within the plant, which have distinct chemical composition. When consumed, the physiological effects and psychoactive kinds vary from increased appetites in individuals, heightened moods, relaxation and moments of euphoria. Some of the possible negative effects experienced by some individuals include dryness in mouths, decreases in abilities of memory at the short-term basis, eyes reddening and motor skills can be impaired. In some extremes, paranoia, addiction and heightened anxiety are recorded. In the United States, the legalization of cannabis has been passed while others have rejected any form of legislation on it based on scientific and traditional passed down knowledge. The mixed reactions from both divides offer plenty of discussion point due to the positive and negative effects it has in its composition. Marijuana should not be legalized in the United States.   

Discussion

Marijuana legalization places a high risk on the health and safety of Americans. In the short and long-term effects from the smoking and inhaling the drug, is affected mental capacity and the brain (National Institute of Drug Abuse 1). Once the drug is inhaled into the lings, it travels into the bloodstream and is taken up to the brain cells. The receptors in the paths to the neural experience an altered sense of sight, smell, mood changes, and body movements are impaired, and the memory is impaired. In the long-term effects, the smoking of marijuana from a tender age of young adults results into little brain development with the reduction in IQ of the individuals. The disorder also troubles the average body mobility and enabled mechanisms of biological ingestion and digestion. The experiment from medical experts determines the negative health aspects as being serious as age increases.

             Physical health problems are associated with the use of marijuana. For example, smoking of the drug has been known to irritate the lungs and paths of the esophagus. The daily smokers are equally as affected as tobacco intakes and are known to be susceptible to lung diseases and cancer. National Institute of Drug Abuse (1) states that cannabis intake increases the cardiovascular heart rates. It manages to raise the levels up to three hours after the first smoke is delivered in the system. The older adults are prone to the above risk especially with the health and body demands. During pregnancy, mothers who are regular takers of the drug can hamper the growth and development of the unborn child especially with the mental formation and behavior adaptation. In the long-term effects, hallucinations are experienced, temporary paranoia and for individuals with schizophrenia the effects can worsen the symptoms at a higher rate.

            Marijuana can be addictive which spells doom for the users in long-term basis. Contrary to the stated common belief, the drug can be frequented by individuals who started using it from a tender age into their adulthood. It leads to lowered satisfaction in lives of the addicted individuals, poor mental statuses, inhibited forms of physical upbringing and creates more relationship problems. In teenagers, there are increased chances of dropping out of school while disciplinary problems mount, as the affected individuals do not realize their mental states. In addition, during its preparation and intake, the use of butane in its burning has been known to cause fires and several explosions, which can lead to loss of lives of the individuals (National Institute of Drug Abuse 1). The process requires absolute care and patience with the use of fires although the potential hazard involved with fires cannot be played down.

            Marijuana is a threat to public safety in the United States. From the health factors and its effect on impairment, its consumption does not guarantee public safety in almost all domains. For example, a cannabis inhaler and frequenter who is driving from an interstate connection to another can loose focus and thereby cause accidents to innocent people. The fatalities can lead to death, injuries and long-term effects. Similarly, child neglect is quite common as well as workplace injuries. In addition, with the health concerns on effects of impaired judgment, hallucinations and euphoria, the uncontrollable nature of individuals who smoke it can cause life-threatening harm to other public members (National Institute of Drug Abuse 1). Once the effects take their toll on the affected individuals, it is difficult to control and manage them. As such, public safety is threatened according to the severity of the situation.

            The cost associated with the legalization of marijuana far exceeds any projected figures on the profitability on the same. The major source of funds would be availed through taxation in its return. However, the major conundrum will be faced in its legalization and regulation throughout the country. In reference to other stimulant and alcohol intake, for every dollar gained in its taxation, there is ten dollars equated on social costs from the same (Hall 459). Therefore, legalization of marijuana will not profit the economy, as it will require heightened authoritative judgment. For example, its legalization will require substantial costs used to cover the treatment of drugs in affected individuals from one state to another as the population of users will definitely increase. Increased emergency room visits will be common from adverse effects, traffic crashes, dropouts from schools and increased crime rates.

            Marijuana use has a serious detrimental impact on the economical development of the country. Americans are credited for their strong work ethic and embodiment of the American dream. In addition, the use of drugs is relatively not high in comparison to other countries. If marijuana is legalized, the amount of energy used in production and development will be scaled down especially as more individuals will embrace the use of the drug. For example, absenteeism will increase accidents at the workplaces and tardiness. In return, the slow down on productivity will be noted in all the major structures of the economy. In addition, since legalization of marijuana can promote income generation, majority of the able workforce can be enticed to leave their manual jobs and opt into the sale and use of the drug at the expense of nation building. In return, economic meltdown will be common.

            The biggest losers from marijuana use are the youths and the environment. Due to peer pressure, the easy targets of marijuana use are the young adults of the society. With the affordable nature of the drug, legalization will even ease the barrier for them to obtain it at discounted prices and within reach. The above translated to increased rates of school dropouts and acts of indiscipline. Hall (459) argues that the disregard for education will rob the country of educated and technical persons who can spur innovation, implementation of development and general uplift in lives of the societies. According to the proposals of legalization, individuals would be required to plant their own for domestic use. Such a move will encourage environmental degradation, as arable land will; be converted for commercial marijuana growth. Environmental affects bear with it threat to human life and natural forms in general. Marijuana legalization is not an American majority need or want. Surveys conducted throughout the country indicate that majority of the citizens are against the idea of its legalization. From traditional and domestic experience, the negative effects do not encourage its use and sale. The proven extracts of the plant towards medical needs and breakthroughs have been favored over the use of the drug itself. With added concerns, legalization of marijuana will increase crime rates from petty offences to worst-case scenarios. There is a harbored fear of gang related conflicts in the control of commercial proceeds on the drug once it is legalized throughout the country (Hall 459). As such, this will encourage loss of lives, conflicts and damage to the reputation of individuals at al costs. United States as a model country to the rest of the world would be setting a bad precedence if legalization of the drug succeeds.

Conclusion

Marijuana should not be legalized in the United States. Since it is classified as a drug, the potential negative effects on its use do not encourage for its legalization. From its preparation and uptake through inhaling into the blood stream, marijuana poses a danger to an individual and the country as a whole. It affects the mental and physical health in both long and short term, causes addiction, is a detriment to the youth, and poses high risk to public safety and security. It is a hazard to the environment; poses high cost in its regulation and downscale of economy and productivity while it creates a major precedence for use of other drugs.

Works Cited:

Hall, Wallace. “The Adverse Health Effects of Cannabis: What are they, and what are their Implications for Policy.” International Journal of Drug Policy 1 (2009): 458-466. Print.  

National Institute of Drug Abuse. Drug Facts: Marijuana. NIH. Web. April 10, 2015. < http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana >