essays about legalization of marijuana

2018 Theses Doctoral

Essays on Cannabis Legalization

Thomas, Danna Kang

Though the drug remains illegal at the federal level, in recent years states and localities have increasingly liberalized their marijuana laws in order to generate tax revenue and save resources on marijuana law enforcement. Many states have adopted some form of medical marijuana and/or marijuana decriminalization laws, and as of 2017, Washington, Colorado, Maine, California, Oregon, Massachusetts, Nevada, Alaska, and the District of Columbia have all legalized marijuana for recreational use. In 2016 recreational marijuana generated over $1.8 billion in sales. Hence, studying marijuana reforms and the policies and outcomes of early recreational marijuana adopters is an important area of research. However, perhaps due to the fact that legalized recreational cannabis is a recent phenomenon, a scarcity of research exists on the impacts of recreational cannabis legalization and the efficacy and efficiency of cannabis regulation. This dissertation aims to fill this gap, using the Washington recreational marijuana market as the primary setting to study cannabis legalization in the United States. Of first order importance in the regulation of sin goods such as cannabis is quantifying the value of the marginal damages of negative externalities. Hence, Chapter 1 (co-authored with Lin Tian) explores the impact of marijuana dispensary location on neighborhood property values, exploiting plausibly exogenous variation in marijuana retailer location. Policymakers and advocates have long expressed concerns that the positive effects of the legalization--e.g., increases in tax revenue--are well spread spatially, but the negative effects are highly localized through channels such as crime. Hence, we use changes in property values to measure individuals' willingness to pay to avoid localized externalities caused by the arrival of marijuana dispensaries. Our key identification strategy is to compare changes in housing sales around winners and losers in a lottery for recreational marijuana retail licenses. (Due to location restrictions, license applicants were required to provide an address of where they would like to locate.) Hence, we have the locations of both actual entrants and potential entrants, which provides a natural difference-in-differences set-up. Using data from King County, Washington, we find an almost 2.4% decrease in the value of properties within a 0.5 mile radius of an entrant, a $9,400 decline in median property values. The aforementioned retail license lottery was used to distribute licenses due to a license quota. Retail license quotas are often used by states to regulate entry into sin goods markets as quotas can restrict consumption by decreasing access and by reducing competition (and, therefore, increasing markups). However, license quotas also create allocative inefficiency. For example, license quotas are often based on the population of a city or county. Hence, licenses are not necessarily allocated to the areas where they offer the highest marginal benefit. Moreover, as seen in the case of the Washington recreational marijuana market, licenses are often distributed via lottery, meaning that in the absence of an efficiency secondary market for licenses, the license recipients are not necessarily the most efficient potential entrants. This allocative inefficiency is generated by heterogeneity in firms and consumers. Therefore, in Chapter 2, I develop a model of demand and firm pricing in order to investigate firm-level heterogeneity and inefficiency. Demand is differentiated by geography and incorporates consumer demographics. I estimate this demand model using data on firm sales from Washington. Utilizing the estimates and firm pricing model, I back out a non-parametric distribution of firm variable costs. These variable costs differ by product and firm and provide a measure of firm inefficiency. I find that variable costs have lower inventory turnover; hence, randomly choosing entrants in a lottery could be a large contributor to allocative inefficiency. Chapter 3 explores the sources of allocative inefficiency in license distribution in the Washington recreational marijuana market. A difficulty in studying the welfare effects of license quotas is finding credible counterfactuals of unrestricted entry. Therefore, I take a structural approach: I first develop a three stage model that endogenizes firm entry and incorporates the spatial demand and pricing model discussed in Chapter 2. Using the estimates of the demand and pricing model, I estimate firms' fixed costs and use data on locations of those potential entrants that did not win Washington's retail license lottery to simulate counterfactual entry patterns. I find that allowing firms to enter freely at Washington's current marijuana tax rate increases total surplus by 21.5% relative to a baseline simulation of Washington's license quota regime. Geographic misallocation and random allocation of licenses account for 6.6\% and 65.9\% of this difference, respectively. Moreover, as the primary objective of these quotas is to mitigate the negative externalities of marijuana consumption, I study alternative state tax policies that directly control for the marginal damages of marijuana consumption. Free entry with tax rates that keep the quantity of marijuana or THC consumed equal to baseline consumption increases welfare by 6.9% and 11.7%, respectively. I also explore the possibility of heterogeneous marginal damages of consumption across geography, backing out the non-uniform sales tax across geography that is consistent with Washington's license quota policy. Free entry with a non-uniform sales tax increases efficiency by over 7% relative to the baseline simulation of license quotas due to improvements in license allocation.

• Cannabis--Law and legislation
• Marijuana industry
• Drug legalization
• Drugs--Economic aspects

More About This Work

• DOI Copy DOI to clipboard

THREE ESSAYS ON THE EFFECT OF LEGALIZING MARIJUANA ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND SOCIAL SECURITY

The legalization of marijuana has emerged as a critical public policy issue, with far-reaching implications for health, education, and government programs at both the state and federal levels. The three essays of this dissertation show that medical marijuana legalization (MML) has a negative effect in each of these areas. The first essay shows, that the enactment of MMLs can exacerbate the crisis of overdose deaths in the United States. The study analyzes three key areas: the rate of overdose deaths caused by both legal and illegal drugs, the impact of MML on social norms regarding the perceived harm of marijuana, and an investigation into the gateway theory by examining the use of other addictive drugs. I find that MMLs increase deaths attributed to overdose by 21.5% population. MMLs s also indicate increase the number of deaths due to prescribed opioids by 44.6%, and deaths from all opioids (heroin and cocaine in addition to prescribed opioids) by 37.2 % Results suggest an overall increase in the use of marijuana, primarily due to lower perceived risk among adolescents. Additionally, results show an increase in hospital admissions due to substance abuse. The analysis suggests that legalizing medical marijuana may exaggerate the current problem of drug overdose in the United States. The second essay examines the impact of improved access to medical marijuana, measured by the proximity of schools to the nearest dispensary, on the academic performance of high school students in California. Students in schools farther from a marijuana dispensary have higher academic performance as measured through AP, ACT, SAT scores, and average GPA, and lower number of suspensions due to violence and illicit drug use. To show this, I construct the first geocoded dataset on marijuana dispensary and high school locations, use newly developed difference-in-differences estimators that rule out any bias due to heterogeneous treatment effects over time, and explore dynamic responses. This essay reveals the importance of ensuring a largest possible distance between schools and dispensaries to protect adolescents from the potential harm caused by medical marijuana. Finally, the third essay shows that in the long term, MMLs increase the number of disabled workers who receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) because of mental health issues. SSDI is a major social insurance program that provides benefits to workers who become disabled, and understanding how policy changes in other areas may impact this program is important. In this study, there were important differences between the results of a two-way fixed effects model and a new model by Callaway and Santa’Anna. MMLs, in theory, could either increase or decrease the number of SSDI recipients, and traditional fixed effects models suggest both could be at play; however, only the negative effect is robust to correction for heterogeneous effects. This highlights the need for future research to understand the true impact of medical marijuana legalization

Contributors

Degree grantor, degree level, submission id, usage metrics.

• Health economics
• Welfare economics
• Epidemiology
• Health policy
• Public policy
• Medical and health law

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Biostatistics
• Environmental Health and Engineering
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy and Management
• Health, Behavior and Society
• International Health
• Mental Health
• Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Program Finder
• Admissions Services
• Course Directory
• Academic Calendar
• Hybrid Campus
• Lecture Series
• Convocation
• Strategy and Development
• Implementation and Impact
• Integrity and Oversight
• In the School
• In the Field
• In Baltimore
• Resources for Practitioners
• Articles & News Releases
• In The News
• Statements & Announcements
• At a Glance
• Student Life
• Strategic Priorities
• Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE)
• What is Public Health?

The Evidence—and Lack Thereof—About Cannabis

Research is still needed on cannabis’s risks and benefits. 

Lindsay Smith Rogers

Although the use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law, medicinal and recreational cannabis use has become increasingly widespread.

Thirty-eight states and Washington, D.C., have legalized medical cannabis, while 23 states and D.C. have legalized recreational use. Cannabis legalization has benefits, such as removing the product from the illegal market so it can be taxed and regulated, but science is still trying to catch up as social norms evolve and different products become available. 

In this Q&A, adapted from the August 25 episode of Public Health On Call , Lindsay Smith Rogers talks with Johannes Thrul, PhD, MS , associate professor of Mental Health , about cannabis as medicine, potential risks involved with its use, and what research is showing about its safety and efficacy. 

Do you think medicinal cannabis paved the way for legalization of recreational use?

The momentum has been clear for a few years now. California was the first to legalize it for medical reasons [in 1996]. Washington and Colorado were the first states to legalize recreational use back in 2012. You see one state after another changing their laws, and over time, you see a change in social norms. It's clear from the national surveys that people are becoming more and more in favor of cannabis legalization. That started with medical use, and has now continued into recreational use.

But there is a murky differentiation between medical and recreational cannabis. I think a lot of people are using cannabis to self-medicate. It's not like a medication you get prescribed for a very narrow symptom or a specific disease. Anyone with a medical cannabis prescription, or who meets the age limit for recreational cannabis, can purchase it. Then what they use it for is really all over the place—maybe because it makes them feel good, or because it helps them deal with certain symptoms, diseases, and disorders.

Does cannabis have viable medicinal uses?

The evidence is mixed at this point. There hasn’t been a lot of funding going into testing cannabis in a rigorous way. There is more evidence for certain indications than for others, like CBD for seizures—one of the first indications that cannabis was approved for. And THC has been used effectively for things like nausea and appetite for people with cancer.

There are other indications where the evidence is a lot more mixed. For example, pain—one of the main reasons that people report for using cannabis. When we talk to patients, they say cannabis improved their quality of life. In the big studies that have been done so far, there are some indications from animal models that cannabis might help [with pain]. When we look at human studies, it's very much a mixed bag. 

And, when we say cannabis, in a way it's a misnomer because cannabis is so many things. We have different cannabinoids and different concentrations of different cannabinoids. The main cannabinoids that are being studied are THC and CBD, but there are dozens of other minor cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis products, all of varying concentrations. And then you also have a lot of different routes of administration available. You can smoke, vape, take edibles, use tinctures and topicals. When you think about the explosion of all of the different combinations of different products and different routes of administration, it tells you how complicated it gets to study this in a rigorous way. You almost need a randomized trial for every single one of those and then for every single indication.

What do we know about the risks of marijuana use?  

Cannabis use disorder is a legitimate disorder in the DSM. There are, unfortunately, a lot of people who develop a problematic use of cannabis. We know there are risks for mental health consequences. The evidence is probably the strongest that if you have a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia, using cannabis early in adolescence is not the best idea. We know cannabis can trigger psychotic symptoms and potentially longer lasting problems with psychosis and schizophrenia. 

It is hard to study, because you also don't know if people are medicating early negative symptoms of schizophrenia. They wouldn't necessarily have a diagnosis yet, but maybe cannabis helps them to deal with negative symptoms, and then they develop psychosis. There is also some evidence that there could be something going on with the impact of cannabis on the developing brain that could prime you to be at greater risk of using other substances later down the road, or finding the use of other substances more reinforcing. 

What benefits do you see to legalization?

When we look at the public health landscape and the effect of legislation, in this case legalization, one of the big benefits is taking cannabis out of the underground illegal market. Taking cannabis out of that particular space is a great idea. You're taking it out of the illegal market and giving it to legitimate businesses where there is going to be oversight and testing of products, so you know what you're getting. And these products undergo quality control and are labeled. Those labels so far are a bit variable, but at least we're getting there. If you're picking up cannabis at the street corner, you have no idea what's in it. 

And we know that drug laws in general have been used to criminalize communities of color and minorities. Legalizing cannabis [can help] reduce the overpolicing of these populations.

What big questions about cannabis would you most like to see answered?

We know there are certain, most-often-mentioned conditions that people are already using medical cannabis for: pain, insomnia, anxiety, and PTSD. We really need to improve the evidence base for those. I think clinical trials for different cannabis products for those conditions are warranted.

Another question is, now that the states are getting more tax revenue from cannabis sales, what are they doing with that money? If you look at tobacco legislation, for example, certain states have required that those funds get used for research on those particular issues. To me, that would be a very good use of the tax revenue that is now coming in. We know, for example, that there’s a lot more tax revenue now that Maryland has legalized recreational use. Maryland could really step up here and help provide some of that evidence.

Are there studies looking into the risks you mentioned?

Large national studies are done every year or every other year to collect data, so we already have a pretty good sense of the prevalence of cannabis use disorder. Obviously, we'll keep tracking that to see if those numbers increase, for example, in states that are legalizing. But, you wouldn't necessarily expect to see an uptick in cannabis use disorder a month after legalization. The evidence from states that have legalized it has not demonstrated that we might all of a sudden see an increase in psychosis or in cannabis use disorder. This happens slowly over time with a change in social norms and availability, and potentially also with a change in marketing. And, with increasing use of an addictive substance, you will see over time a potential increase in problematic use and then also an increase in use disorder.

If you're interested in seeing if cannabis is right for you, is this something you can talk to your doctor about?

I think your mileage may vary there with how much your doctor is comfortable and knows about it. It's still relatively fringe. That will very much depend on who you talk to. But I think as providers and professionals, everybody needs to learn more about this, because patients are going to ask no matter what.

Lindsay Smith Rogers, MA, is the producer of the Public Health On Call podcast , an editor for Expert Insights , and the director of content strategy for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Could Medical Marijuana Help Address the Opioid Epidemic?

Policy Is Public Health

Medical Marijuana Laws Linked to Health and Labor Supply Benefits in Older Adults

Related Content

The Problem with Pulse Oximeters: A Long History of Racial Bias

Socialized for Scarcity: Surgical Care in Tanzania’s Remote Refugee Camps

Understanding Sleep, Activity, and Circadian Rhythms in Major Depressive Disorder

The Threat to Abortion Rights You Haven’t Heard Of

How to Offer Support and Find Strength on a Trauma Anniversary

Project Types We Cover

• Admissions Essay
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Research Paper
• Book Reviews
• Personal Statement
• Ph.D Dissertation
• Proofreading

Academic Fields & Subjects

• Programming
• Computer Science
• Other projects we help with
• Our Experts
• Plagiarism Checker
• Writing Tips

How to Write Legalization of Marijuana Essays

By: Angelina Grin

Since the legalization of marijuana has been a heated subject in recent years, many teachers give essay writing assignments on this to judge a student's knowledge of current affairs. Although you may have a basic understanding of what an essay on the legalization of marijuana is and how to write one, it is critical to continue to improve your research, composition, and essay structure. You can always build in some respects.

Essay Sample: Should Marijuana Be Legalized?

Health benefits of legalizing marijuana, negative effects of legalizing marijuana, use of medical studies, use of sub-headings and sub-points, references to use in the essay.

Studybay has provided a sample essay, its analysis, reviewed some essay fundamentals, and what the examiner will be looking for. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also seek   homework help . 

Marijuana is one most vehement adversaries in the war on drugs by Americans. And, given that alcohol and tobacco, two life-threatening drugs, are legal, it's fair to wonder why medical marijuana is prohibited. When taxpayers in America fill out their tax forms and hear the government's hash argument against marijuana, they will partially address this issue.

Marijuana, which is derived from Cannabis plants, is known by a variety of names. Marijuana has a variety of nicknames, ranging from cannabis to ganja to weed. Marijuana is made up of the leaves and flowers of the Cannabis plant. 

THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary active ingredient in marijuana. It enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain. This substance induces a state of relaxation in the body.

There have been several debates on whether or not marijuana should be legalized. Many people assume that this substance is toxic to the human body, but there is hard evidence to the contrary. Marijuana has real advantages that can outweigh the ostensibly negative consequences. Arguments for drug legalization began in the United States of America. It has been shown to have many medical benefits, including anxiety relief, pain relief, nausea relief, and the reduction of epileptic seizures. A significant number of states in the United States allow for the use of marijuana on a prescription basis.

Medical Cannabis is commonly used to treat sleeping problems, appetite deficiency, autism, and cancer therapies such as chemotherapy. Cannabis can also be used to cure anorexia until it is approved. Emotion and mood control are two immediate effects of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Marijuana has been shown to have mild side effects when used in controlled doses.

The legalization of marijuana is expected to improve the country's economic development. If state officials vote to legalize marijuana, they will save a lot of money for taxpayers. 

State officials spend a lot of money on the branches of law enforcement that are in charge of enforcing drug prohibition laws. Every year, thousands of people are prosecuted for either using or possessing marijuana, and governments pay vast sums of money to keep them locked up. Legalizing marijuana would save this money.

Marijuana has not caused any apparent harm in countries where cannabis has been legalized. Marijuana users are thought to be abusive, according to some stereotypes. However, there is no concrete evidence to back up this claim to date. In the United States, several states have allowed marijuana for both medicinal and recreational uses, with no harmful consequences. In contrast, Colorado has seen a decline in marijuana-related property destruction and crime.

Essay Analysis

The essay example above is a fairly insightful work that covers many of the essential facets of essay composition. There are, however, certain main segments and points that are required. The aspects that should have been included are as follows:

A Strong Argument

Since we don't necessarily agree with what's right or rational, a well-crafted argument will assist us in determining what's fair or real. It's used to resolve disagreements to find the facts. Argument shows us how to analyze competing theories, as well as how to evaluate proof and inquiry processes. Argument teaches one how to explain our views and express them clearly and objectively and how to respectfully and critically evaluate the ideas of others.

In the above sample, the following sections on the effects of marijuana can be added:

• Pharmaceutical cannabis has been   shown in studies   to reduce nausea caused by cancer chemotherapy and almost entirely prevent vomiting.
• Marijuana can help with muscle spasticity, which is   often linked to multiple sclerosis   and paralysis.
• Marijuana can aid in the   treatment of appetite loss   caused by HIV/AIDS and some forms of cancers.
• Certain forms of chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain, may be   relieved by marijuana .
• When isolated, as CBD has been, these compounds can contribute to   further advances in medical treatment options   without the "high" provided by THC.
• Regular usage of marijuana causes a   negative impact   on your short-term memory.
• Smoking any substance, whether nicotine or marijuana,   will cause significant lung harm .
• Due to drug abuse, marijuana has a high potential for violence and addiction.
• Marijuana has been linked   to a large number of car collisions and industrial accidents.

No wild claims have been made. All the pros and cons are back up with solid evidence from studies and proper medical research journals. 

On this point, there are some vital benefits you should note while writing your essay:

• It adds creativity and interest to your essay.
• You have a lot of options for adding information.
• Your essay would be 100% original.
• Your ideas would be clearer and more efficient.

Headings describe the paper's main themes and supporting theories, subheadings, bullets, numbered lists, etc. They use visual cues to communicate significance levels. Readers can discern the key points from the others thanks to differences in text size.

For instance, in point 1, we see the sub-headings as 'Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana' further by sub-points in alphabetical order. 

The sample essay lacks a summary, an analysis, or a conclusion to the topic. The following paragraph could have been added as a conclusion:

While medical marijuana is still controversial, it is gaining popularity as a legal treatment option for several ailments. Although many states have approved cannabis for medical uses (and a few for commercial use), it would require more lawmakers and the federal government to make it accepted and sold around the country. However, proving or disproving the effectiveness of medical marijuana and eventually loosening the prohibitions on its use would almost certainly necessitate a much broader body of legal clinical study.

Additional Points

The following points can be expanded upon in this essay:

• History of drug use in the medical history and as a recreational drug
• Recreational purposes of marijuana
• Decriminalization on the federal level
• How to approach the marijuana-related drug policy
• Other illegal drugs and their usage

You can also opt for   essay help   in covering the main points from professional services.

Here are some valuable research papers and sources to include and quote to get good grades:

• FDA and Cannabis: Research and Drug Approval Process
• Legalization of Marijuana: Potential Impact on Youth
• Experimenting with Pot: The State of Colorado's Legalization of Marijuana 
• Legalizing Marijuana: California's Pot of Gold?   (Covers the economic benefits)
• Medicinal and Recreational Marijuana Use by Patients Infected with HIV

After you've finished writing your cannabis Sativa legalization essay, be sure to address the following points:

• The grammar and distinctiveness of the marijuana essay have been double-checked and revised.
• A solid a backed up by ideas, arguments, and proof.
• The overview and analysis of the research and opinions of other authors.
• An introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion are all part of a coherent framework.

Keep in mind that you can get expert essay assistance from Studybay when writing your   research paper .

User ratings:

User ratings is 3.8 stars.

3.8 /5 ( 9 Votes)

Creative Writer and Blog Editor

Despite my relatively young age, I am a professional writer with more than 14 years of experience. I studied journalism at the university, worked for media and digital agencies, and organized several events for ed-tech companies. Yet for the last 6 years, I've worked mainly in marketing. Here, at Studybay, my objective is to make sure all our texts are clear, informative, and engaging.

Add Your Comment

We are very interested to know your opinion

This is very clear thanks for giving me the point to start my essay

i think you have helped me a lot as i could not gather and form a complete paragraph about my topic, but with what you provided me with I think my problem was solved.

I like how you're bringing it out more understandable, you know. We need to talk more often about the side effect of substance abuse. Thanks

Faith chepkemoi

Upgrade your writing skills!

Try our AI essay writer from Studybay today!

Home » Uncategorized » Five Reasons Why We Should Legalize Cannabis

The Yale Ledger is a student-led magazine showcasing content from around the Yale community.

If you are affiliated with the Yale student community and have an article you want to share, please email Layla Winston .

If you notice any spam or inappropriate content, please contact us so we can remove it.

• February 2024
• January 2024
• December 2023
• November 2023
• October 2023
• September 2023
• August 2023
• February 2023
• January 2023
• December 2022
• November 2022
• October 2022
• September 2022
• August 2022
• February 2022
• January 2022
• December 2021
• September 2021
• August 2021
• February 2021
• January 2021

Five Reasons Why We Should Legalize Cannabis

Cannabis use in the United States has had a long and complicated history. For decades, people who used cannabis were subject to social ostracization and criminal prosecution. However, attitudes toward cannabis have been evolving in recent years. An increasing number of states have started to legalize cannabis for medical or recreational use. This shift in policy has been driven by a variety of factors including changing public attitudes and the potential economic benefits of legalization. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of legalizing cannabis in our country.

1. Legalization for the Environment

Legalizing cannabis can have significant benefits for the environment. When cannabis is grown illegally, it is often done in environmentally damaging ways, such as using chemical pesticides or clearing primary forests to make room for crops. Legalization could allow customers to support more environmental growers. This will incentivize more responsible growing practices, such as the use of organic farming methods or the use of renewable energy sources to power indoor grow operations. In addition, the culture of growing cannabis can help to discover and preserve precious marijuana seeds , increasing biodiversity and facilitating a deeper understanding of cannabis plants and their cultivation.

2. Legalization for Justice

Where cannabis is illegal, people are being arrested and charged for possession or sale, which leads to costly court cases and a burden on the criminal justice system. Legalization would free up law enforcement resources to focus on more serious crimes and simultaneously reduce the number of people incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses. This could help to reduce the overall prison population and save taxpayers money.

In addition, legalization can have significant benefits for justice and equity, particularly for marginalized communities that have been disproportionately affected by the criminalization of cannabis. Communities of color have been particularly affected by the war on drugs, with Black Americans being nearly four times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white Americans, despite similar rates of use.

By regulating cannabis cultivation and sales, legalization can help to eliminate the black market and reduce the involvement of criminal organizations in the cannabis industry. This can lead to safer communities and reduced drug-related violence in communities that have been most affected by the criminalization of cannabis.

3. Legalization for Public Health

Cannabis has been shown to have many beneficial and therapeutic effects on both physical and mental health. However, people may be hesitant to seek medical marijuana treatment due to fear of legal repercussions if cannabis is illegal. Legalization can allow more people to enjoy better health outcomes. It can also promote the safer use of cannabis by educating the public on appropriate cannabis use and providing quality control measures for cannabis products. Legalization can also lead to increased research into potential medical applications of cannabis and could lead to the development of innovative treatments.

Another potential perk of cannabis legalization is that it could reduce the use of more harmful drugs. In the absence of cannabis, people may turn to more dangerous drugs like heroin or fentanyl to manage chronic pain or other conditions. By legalizing cannabis, we can provide a safer alternative for these individuals and could reduce the overall demand for these more dangerous drugs. States that have legalized cannabis found a decrease in opioid overdose deaths and hospitalizations, suggesting that cannabis are an effective alternative to prescription painkillers.

4. Legalization for the Economy

The legalization of cannabis can generate significant tax revenue for governments and create new economic opportunities. When cannabis is illegal, it is sold on the black market, and no taxes are collected on these sales. However, when it is legal, sales can be regulated, and taxes can be imposed on those sales. In states that have legalized cannabis, tax revenue from cannabis sales has been in the millions of dollars , with California registering a whopping $1.2 billion in cannabis tax revenue in 2021. This impressive income can be used to reduce budget deficits, fund various public services such as education and healthcare, and create new opportunities for investment in projects that revitalize the economy.

Aside from tax revenue, legalizing cannabis can create new jobs. The cannabis industry is a rapidly growing industry, and legalization could lead to the creation of new jobs in areas such as cultivation, processing, and retail sales. This can help to reduce unemployment and create new gainful opportunities for people who may have struggled to find employment in other industries. Legalization can also lead to increased investment in related industries, such as the development of new products or technologies to improve cannabis cultivation or the creation of new retail businesses. There are now several venture capital funds and investment groups that focus solely on cannabis-related enterprises.

5. Legalization for Acceptance

Finally, legalization could help reduce the stigma surrounding cannabis use. Before cannabis legalization, people who use the plant were often viewed as criminals or deviants. Legalization can help change this perception and lead to more open and honest conversations about cannabis use. Ultimately, legalization could lead to a more accepting and inclusive society where individuals are not judged or discriminated against for their personal and healthcare choices. By legalizing cannabis, we can harness the power of a therapeutic plant. Legalization can heal not just physical and mental ailments of individuals but also the social wounds that have resulted from its criminalization.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Powered by WordPress / Academica WordPress Theme by WPZOOM

Essay on Legalization Of Marijuanas

Students are often asked to write an essay on Legalization Of Marijuanas in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Legalization Of Marijuanas

What is marijuana.

Marijuana, also known as weed, is a plant that some people use to feel relaxed. It is illegal in many places, but some countries are making it legal to use for medicine or just for fun.

Medicinal Benefits

Arguments for legalization.

People who want marijuana legal say it’s safer than alcohol. They argue that the police could focus on more serious crimes if marijuana were not illegal.

Concerns Against Legalization

Others worry that if marijuana is legal, more kids might try it. They also think that driving under its influence could become a bigger problem.

Economic Impact

If marijuana is legal, the government can tax it and make money. This money could help build schools and roads or support other important projects.

250 Words Essay on Legalization Of Marijuanas

Marijuana, also known as weed or pot, is a plant that some people use to feel relaxed. It can be smoked or eaten. In many places, it is illegal to have or use marijuana. But some countries and parts of the United States are changing the rules to make it legal.

Reasons for Legalization

One reason to make marijuana legal is for medicine. Doctors have found that it can help people with certain sicknesses feel better. Another reason is money. If the government allows the sale of marijuana, they can collect taxes on it. This money can help build schools and roads.

Concerns About Legalization

Some people worry that if marijuana is legal, more young people might try it. They also fear that driving under the influence of marijuana could increase, leading to more accidents.

Rules for Use

If marijuana becomes legal, there would be rules. Just like alcohol, you would have to be a certain age to buy it. There would also be limits on where you can use it and how much you can have.

The topic of making marijuana legal is complex. Some people think it’s a good idea for reasons like medicine and money. Others are worried about safety and young people using it. Every country or state has to think carefully about these points before deciding if they want to change their laws on marijuana.

500 Words Essay on Legalization Of Marijuanas

Introduction to marijuana.

One big reason to make marijuana legal is for medicine. Doctors have found that it can help people with certain health problems. For example, it can make pain less strong, help with sickness from cancer treatments, and help people who have trouble eating to feel hungry. This is why some people think it should be legal to use marijuana if it can help sick people feel better.

Another reason is money for the government. If the government allows the sale of marijuana, they can charge taxes on it. This means the government gets more money to use for things like schools, roads, and public services.

Safety and Control

Some people worry about making marijuana legal. They think that more people, especially young ones, might start using it. This could be bad for their health and their ability to do well in school or work.

Looking at Other Places

We can learn from places that have already made marijuana legal. In some areas, they have seen good things like less crime and more money for the government. But they also have to make sure people are using it in a safe way and not letting it cause problems in their communities.

The topic of making marijuana legal is a big one with many different opinions. It’s important to think about how it can help as medicine and bring in money for the government. But we also have to be careful about safety and making sure young people don’t use it in a bad way. Each place that’s thinking about making marijuana legal needs to look at all these points and decide what’s best for their people.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Argumentative Essay On Marijuana Legalization

Published by gudwriter on May 27, 2018 May 27, 2018

Most students have serious problems writing a quality essay as they lack the necessary experience. If you need help writing an essay on legalization of marijuana, the perfect solution is to buy thesis proposal from experts online.

Elevate Your Writing with Our Free Writing Tools!

Did you know that we provide a free essay and speech generator, plagiarism checker, summarizer, paraphraser, and other writing tools for free?

Why Marijuana Should be Legalized Argumentative Essay Outline

Introduction.

Thesis: Marijuana should be legalized as it is more beneficial that it may be detrimental to society.

Paragraph 1:

Marijuana has not caused turmoil in some of the countries where it has been legalized.

• Marijuana does not increase violent, and property crimes as many suggest.
• Studies reveal that in Colorado, violent crimes have declined following the legalization of marijuana.

Paragraph 2:

Prohibiting use of marijuana does not limit its consumption.

• In spite of the many laws prohibiting the use of marijuana, it is one of the most highly abused drugs.
• 58% of young people from all over the world use marijuana.
• It has not been attributed to any health complications.

Paragraph 3:

Legalization of marijuana would help state governments save taxpayers money.

• Governments spend lots of funds on law enforcement agencies that uphold laws restricting the use of marijuana.
• They also spend vast sums of money on sustaining arrested dealers and consumers in prison.
• Legalizing marijuana would result in saving vast sums of money.

Paragraph 4:

Marijuana is less noxious than other legal substances.

• Marijuana has less health side effects than other legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco.
• Alcohol is 114 times more destructive than marijuana.

Paragraph 5:

Marijuana has been proven to have medical benefits.

• Marijuana helps stop seizures in epileptic patients.
• It helps stop nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy .

Paragraph 6:

Marijuana has been proven to be a stress reliever.

• Marijuana relieves stress and depression in their users by causing excitement.
• Its use reduces violence and deaths related to stress and depression.

Conclusion.

There are many misconceptions about marijuana existent in the modern world. People have continued to ignore health benefits linked to this substance citing their unproven beliefs. Owing to its ability to stop seizures, nausea, and stress in individuals governments should highly consider marijuana legalization. Its legalization will also help state governments reduce expenses that result from maintaining suspects convicted of marijuana possession and consumption.

Why Marijuana Should be Legalized Argumentative Essay

The argument that marijuana use should be made legal has gained momentum both in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world in recent years. This has seen the drug being legalized in some states in the U.S. such that by 2013, twenty states had legalized medical marijuana. As of the same year, Colorado and Washington had legalized recreational marijuana. The arguments behind the push for legalization majorly revolve around the idea that the drug has medicinal effects. However, there are also arguments that there are serious health effects associated with the drug and this has only further fueled the already raging debate. This paper argues that marijuana should be legalized as it is more beneficial that it may be detrimental to society.

Marijuana has not caused any notable negative effects in countries where it has been legalized. There is a general belief that marijuana consumers are violent. However, no authentic research can prove these assertions. As already seen, some states in the United States have legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana. In spite of this, no cases of marijuana-related violence have been recorded so far in such states (Markol, 2018). Reports reveal that the rate of violence and property crimes have decreased in Colorado following the legalization of the drug. If marijuana does not increase violent crimes, there is no reason as to why it should not be legalized.

It is also noteworthy that prohibiting marijuana use does not limit its consumption. Less than 10% of countries in the world prevent the use of marijuana, but according to research, 58% of young people in most of these countries are marijuana users (Head, 2016). General reports reveal that marijuana is one of most commonly abused drug in the world. It is also readily available in most states as it is a naturally growing plant (Head, 2016). In spite of its continued use, there are few cases, if any, of marijuana-related health complications that have been reported in any of these countries (Head, 2016). Therefore, if the illegality of marijuana does not limit its consumption, then state governments should consider its legalization.

Legalization of marijuana would further help state governments save taxpayers’ money. It is widely known that in countries where marijuana is illegal, authorities are stringent and will arrest any individual found in possession of the drug (Sanger, 2017). However, as earlier mentioned, laws prohibiting the use of the drug do not prevent its consumption, and this means that many people are arrested and prosecuted for possessing it (Sanger, 2017). State governments therefore use a lot of funds to support law enforcement agencies that seek to uphold laws prohibiting the use of marijuana (Sanger, 2017). Many people have been arrested and incarcerated for either possessing or consuming the drug, and the government has to use taxpayers’ money to sustain such people in prison. Since these actions do not limit consumption of marijuana, state governments should legalize the drug so as to save taxpayers money.

Another advantage of marijuana is that it is less noxious than other legal substances. According to research, marijuana is the least harmful drug among the many legal drugs existent in the world today (Owen, 2014). There are millions of campaigns every year cautioning people against smoking cigarettes, but there has been none seeking to warn people about marijuana consumption (Owen, 2014). Lobby groups have even been making efforts to push for legalization of marijuana. If marijuana had severe health effects as many purport, state governments would be investing heavily in campaigns aimed at discouraging its consumption (Owen, 2014). According to studies, alcohol, which is legal in many countries, is 114 times more harmful than marijuana (Owen, 2014). Therefore, if such harmful substances can be legalized, then there are no justifications as to why marijuana should not be legalized.

Further, marijuana has been proven to have medicinal benefits. Several countries, particularly in Europe, and the United States have legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana. Their move to legalize marijuana was based on medical reports that showed a variety of health benefits linked to the drug (Noonan, 2017). Research shows that marijuana can reduce seizures in epileptic persons. Several studies have also proven that the drug indeed has a variety of health benefits. For instance, Charlotte Figi, who is now aged 10, used to have more than 100 seizures every month at age three, but since Colorado legalized medicinal and recreational marijuana, her parents started treating her with the substance, and today her seizures have significantly reduced (Noonan, 2017). Marijuana has as well been proven to reduce nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Owing to this medicinal value, state governments should consider legalizing the drug.

Additionally, marijuana has been proven to be a stress reliever. Consumption of the drug causes excitement among its users enabling them to forget about troubling situations. Unlike alcohol which is likely to aggravate stress and depression, marijuana works wonders in alleviating anxiety and depression (Sanger, 2017). There are many health and social effects associated with stress, including mental disorders and violence against others (Sanger, 2017). To avoid cases of stress-related violence and mental disorders, state governments should make marijuana consumption legal.

There are many misconceptions about marijuana in the world today. People have continued to ignore the health benefits linked with this substance and have instead focused on citing yet-to-be proven misconceptions. Owing to the ability of the drug to stop seizures, nausea, and stress in individuals, governments should seriously consider its legalization. The legalization will also help state governments reduce expenses that result from sustaining suspects convicted of marijuana possession and consumption. So far, there is more than enough evidence proving that marijuana has lots of benefits to individuals, the society, and the government, and therefore should be legalized.

Head, T. (2016). “8 reasons why marijuana should be legalized”. ThoughtCo . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.thoughtco.com/reasons-why-marijuana-should-be-legalized-721154

Markol, T. (2018). “5 reasons why marijuana should be legalized”. Marijuana Reform . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from http://marijuanareform.org/5-reasons-marijuana-legalized/

Noonan, D. (2017). “Marijuana treatment reduces severe epileptic seizures”. Scientific American . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/marijuana-treatment-reduces-severe-epileptic-seizures/

Owen, P. (2014). “6 powerful reasons to legalize marijuana”. New York Times . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://www.alternet.org/drugs/6-powerful-reasons-new-york-times-says-end-marijuana-prohibition

Sanger, B. (2017). “10 legit reasons why weed should be legalized right now”. Herb . Retrieved June 27, 2020 from https://herb.co/marijuana/news/reasons-weed-legalized

Why Marijuana Should be Legal Essay Outline

Thesis:  Marijuana has health benefits and should thus be legal.

Benefits of Marijuana

Marijuana slows and stops the spread of cancer cells.

• Cannabidiol can turn off a gene called Id-1 and can therefore stop cancer.
• In an experiment, researchers were able to treat breast cancer cells with Cannabidiol.

Marijuana helps with pain and nausea reduction for people going through chemotherapy.

• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from severe pains and nausea.
• This can further complicate their health.
• Marijuana can stir up their appetite, decrease nausea, and reduce pain.

Paragraph  3:

Marijuana can control epileptic seizure.

• Marijuana extract stopped seizures in epileptic rats in ten hours.
• The seizures were controlled by the THC.

Disadvantages of Marijuana

Marijuana is addictive.

• One in ten marijuana users become addicted over time.
• If one stops using the drug abruptly, they may suffer from such withdrawal symptoms.

Marijuana use decreases mental health.

• Users suffer from memory loss and restricted blood flow to the brain.
• Users have higher chances of developing depression and schizophrenia.

Marijuana use damages the lungs more than cigarette smoking .

• Marijuana smokers inhale the smoke more deeply into their lungs and let it stay there for longer.
• The likelihood of lung cancer can be increased by this deeper, longer exposure to carcinogens.

Why Marijuana Should Be Legal

Paragraph 7:

Improved quality and safety control.

• Legalization would lead to the creation of a set of standards for safety and quality control.
• Users would know what they exactly get in exchange for the money they offer.
• There would be no risks of users taking in unknown substances mixed in marijuana.

Paragraph 8:

Marijuana has a medicinal value.

• Medical marijuana treats a wide assortment of “untreatable” diseases and conditions.
• Public health would be improved and the healthcare system would experience less of a drain.  

Paragraph 9: 

Among the major arguments against marijuana legalization is often that legalization would yield an increase in drug-impaired driving.

• This argument holds that even now when the drug is yet to be fully legalized in the country, it is a major causal factor in highway deaths, injuries, and crushes.
• It however beats logic why marijuana is illegalized on the ground that it would increase drug-impaired driving while alcohol is legal but also significantly contributes to the same problem.

Legalization of marijuana would have many benefits. The drug is associated with the treatment of many serious illnesses including the dreaded cancer. Legalization would also save users from consuming unsafe marijuana sold by unscrupulous people.

Why Marijuana Should Be Legal Essay

There is an ongoing tension between the belief that marijuana effectively treats a wide range of ailments and the argument that it has far-reaching negative health effects. There has nevertheless been a drive towards legalization of the drug in the United States with twenty nine states and the District of Columbia having legalized it for medical and recreational purposes. It was also found by a study that there is a sharp increase in the use of marijuana across the country (Kerr, Lui & Ye, 2017). Major public health concerns are being prompted by this rise. This should however not be the case because marijuana has health benefits and should thus be legal.

Marijuana slows and stops the spread of cancer cells. A study found that Cannabidiol can turn off a gene called Id-1 and can therefore stop cancer. A 2007 report by researchers at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco also indicated that the spread of cancer may be prevented by Cannabidiol. In their lab experiment, the researchers were able to treat breast cancer cells with this component (Nawaz, 2017). The positive outcome of the experiment showed that Id-1 expression had been significantly decreased.

Marijuana also helps with pain and nausea reduction for people going through chemotherapy. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from severe pains, appetite loss, vomiting, and painful nausea. This can further complicate their already deteriorating health. Marijuana can be of help here by stirring up the appetite, decreasing nausea, and reducing pain (Nawaz, 2017). There are also other cannabinoid drugs used for the same purposes as approved by the FDA.

It was additionally shown by a 2003 study that the use of marijuana can control epileptic seizure. Synthetic marijuana and marijuana extracts were given to epileptic rats by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Robert J. DeLorenzo. In about ten hours, the seizures had been stopped by the drugs (Nawaz, 2017). It was found that the seizures were controlled by the THC which bound the brain cells responsible for regulating relaxation and controlling excitability.

Some scientists claim that marijuana is addictive. According to them, one in ten marijuana users become addicted over time. They argue that if one stops using the drug abruptly, they may suffer from such withdrawal symptoms as anxiety and irritability (Barcott, 2015). However, the same argument could be applied to cigarette smoking, which is notably legal. There is need for more studies to be conducted into this claim being spread by opponents of marijuana legalization.

It is also argued that marijuana use decreases mental health. Those opposed to the legalization of recreational marijuana like to cite studies that show that users of the drug suffer from memory loss and restricted blood flow to the brain. They also argue that users have higher chances of developing depression and schizophrenia. However, these assertions have not yet been completely ascertained by science (Barcott, 2015). The claim about depression and schizophrenia is particularly not clear because researchers are not sure whether the drug triggers the conditions or it is used by smokers to alleviate the symptoms.

It is further claimed that marijuana use damages the lungs more than cigarette smoking. It is presumed that marijuana smokers inhale the smoke more deeply into their lungs and let it stay there for longer. The likelihood of lung cancer, according to this argument, can be increased by this deeper, longer exposure to carcinogens. However, the argument touches not on the frequency of use between marijuana and cigarette smokers (Barcott, 2015). It neither takes into account such alternative administration methods as edibles, tinctures, and vaporizing.

Legalization of marijuana would lead to improved quality and safety control. Purchasing the drug off the street provides end users with no means of knowing what they are exactly getting. On the other hand, legalizing it would immediately lead to the creation of a set of standards for safety and quality control (Caulkins, Kilmer & Kleiman, 2016). This would certainly work in the marijuana industry just as it is working in the tobacco and alcohol industries. Users would be able to know what they exactly get in exchange for the money they offer. Additionally, there would be no risks of users taking in unknown substances mixed in marijuana sold on the streets.

Marijuana should also be legal because it has a medicinal value. It has been proven that medical marijuana treats a wide assortment of “untreatable” diseases and conditions. These include problems due to chemotherapy, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, migraines, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Crohn’s disease (Caulkins, Kilmer & Kleiman, 2016). Public health would be improved and the healthcare system would experience less of a drain if medical cannabis products were made available to those suffering from the mentioned conditions. Consequently, more public funds would be available for such other public service initiatives as schools and roads.

Among the major arguments against marijuana legalization is often that legalization would yield an increase in drug-impaired driving. This argument holds that even now when the drug is yet to be fully legalized in the country, it has already been cited to be a major causal factor in highway deaths, injuries, and crushes. Among the surveys those arguing along this line might cite is one that was conducted back in 2010, revealing that of the participating weekend night-time drivers, “8.6 percent tested positive for marijuana or its metabolites” (“Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana,” 2010). It was found in yet another study that 26.9% of drivers who were being attended to at a trauma center after sustaining serious injuries tested positive for the drug (“Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana,” 2010). It however beats logic why marijuana is illegalized on the ground that it would increase drug-impaired driving while alcohol is legal but also significantly contributes to the same problem.

As the discussion reveals, legalization of marijuana would have many benefits. The drug is associated with the treatment of many serious illnesses including the dreaded cancer. Legalization would also save users from consuming unsafe marijuana sold by unscrupulous people. There are also other health conditions that can be controlled through the drug. Arguments against its legalization based on its effects on human health also lack sufficient scientific support. It is thus only safe that the drug is legalized in all states.

Barcott, B. (2015).  Weed the people: the future of legal marijuana in America . New York, NY: Time Home Entertainment.

Caulkins, J. P., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. (2016).  Marijuana legalization: what everyone needs to know . New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Kerr, W., Lui, C., & Ye, Y. (2017). Trends and age, period and cohort effects for marijuana use prevalence in the 1984-2015 US National Alcohol Surveys.  Addiction ,  113 (3), 473-481.

Nawaz, H. (2017).  The debate between legalizing marijuana and its benefits for medical purposes: a pros and cons analysis . Munich, Germany: GRIN Verlag.

Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana. (2010). In  CNBC . Retrieved June 25, 2020 from  https://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223 .

More examples of Argumentative Essays written by our team of quality writers

• Same Sex Marriage Argumentative Essay, with Outline
• American Patriotism Argumentative Essay
• Euthanasia Argumentative Essay Sample
• Artificial Intelligence Argumentative Essay
• Argumentative Essay on Abortion – Sample Essay
• Gun Control Argumentative Essay – Sample Essay
• Can Money Buy Happiness Argumentative Essay
• Illegal Immigration Argumentative Essay

 There are typical mistakes most students make when writing their argumentative papers . When writing your argumentative essay you ought to understand that it calls for the ability to present facts, provide supportive evidence, and use logical reasoning to illustrate points. This will help you write a quality paper.

You can relieve yourself all the tussle by buying an argumentative essay  from a trustworthy argumentative essay help service. Hire Gudwriter now and you will never regret it.

Special offer! Get 20% discount on your first order. Promo code: SAVE20

Related Posts

Free essays and research papers, artificial intelligence argumentative essay – with outline.

Artificial Intelligence Argumentative Essay Outline In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the rapidly developing fields and as its capabilities continue to expand, its potential impact on society has become a topic Read more…

Synthesis Essay Example – With Outline

The goal of a synthesis paper is to show that you can handle in-depth research, dissect complex ideas, and present the arguments. Most college or university students have a hard time writing a synthesis essay, Read more…

Examples of Spatial Order – With Outline

A spatial order is an organizational style that helps in the presentation of ideas or things as is in their locations. Most students struggle to understand the meaning of spatial order in writing and have Read more…

The Case against Legalizing Marijuana: Health Social and Economic Concerns

This essay is about the reasons why marijuana should not be legalized focusing on health risks social implications and economic consequences. It highlights the adverse health effects particularly for young people and the potential for marijuana to act as a gateway drug. The essay discusses the social challenges of increased drug-related crimes and the strain on law enforcement. It also examines the economic drawbacks such as increased healthcare costs and the dubious long-term benefits of job creation in the marijuana industry. Additionally it addresses public safety concerns related to impaired driving and the cultural impact of normalizing drug use.

How it works

Marijuana legalization sparks intense debates with folks arguing fiercely on both sides. Yet the case against it packs a punch when you weigh up the potential health risks social changes and economic fallout. While some sing praises for legalizing pot it’s crucial to dig into what all this could mean for us.

First off you can’t brush aside the health risks tied to using marijuana. Loads of studies link it to serious health problems especially among young folks. Regular use can mess with how your brain works like memory and focus and mess with your mental health too boosting the chances of feeling anxious down or even having hallucinations.

This is even riskier for teens and young adults whose brains are still cooking. Making weed easier to get and more normal might just boost how much it’s used by these young folks leading to even more brain and mental harm over time.

Then there’s the worry that marijuana could open the door to harder drugs. Not every person who lights up a joint goes on to harder stuff but many drug stories start with easier-to-find and okayed-by-society drugs. If we make marijuana legal some say it might seem less risky to try pushing more folks to try it and maybe move on to more dangerous stuff. That’s bad news for people and communities making addiction and drug issues even tougher to beat.

Thinking about the social side some say legalizing weed could ease the pressure on police and courts cutting down on arrests and folks going to jail for marijuana stuff. But hold up—that might just swap one problem for another. Legal weed could become a target for crime like theft or selling it on the sly where it’s still against the law. Plus cops might have a tough time keeping tabs on the new legal weed market taking focus away from other big issues.

Economic perks are another big sell for legalizing marijuana. People say it could rake in a ton of money in taxes and make new jobs. Sure a legal weed industry could bring in cash but we gotta weigh it against what it might cost. More people using and maybe getting hooked could mean higher healthcare bills and more money spent on making sure the rules stick and everyone stays safe. Plus some say most jobs in the weed biz might not pay well or last long leaving workers hanging for steady pay.

Now let’s talk about safety on our streets. Using marijuana messes with how you move and think upping the odds of accidents and injuries. Legalizing it could mean more folks driving while high a big no-no for keeping roads safe. Sure there might be strict rules to stop this but keeping an eye on it for real is hard. Figuring out if someone’s too stoned to drive and making sure weed doesn’t end up everywhere is a real challenge.

Lastly think about how this could change how we see things as a society. Making marijuana normal might make drug use seem okay and cut the shame that goes with it. That could be a big deal especially for younger folks who might think using weed’s no big deal. But who knows what this could mean down the road? It might just boost drug use and how many folks get hooked.

In the end while some say legalizing marijuana’s a good idea the health risks social shifts and money mess it could bring are major reasons to think twice. Messing with public health maybe boosting crime not-so-solid cash gains and putting safety at risk are big worries we can’t just ignore. As we keep talking about this tough topic we gotta put folks and communities first and not just chase short-term cash.

Remember this is just a starting point to think about and look into more. For more help making sure your thoughts on this line up with what’s needed think about reaching out to folks who know this stuff well like those at EduBirdie.

Cite this page

The Case Against Legalizing Marijuana: Health Social and Economic Concerns. (2024, Jul 06). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-case-against-legalizing-marijuana-health-social-and-economic-concerns/

"The Case Against Legalizing Marijuana: Health Social and Economic Concerns." PapersOwl.com , 6 Jul 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-case-against-legalizing-marijuana-health-social-and-economic-concerns/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Case Against Legalizing Marijuana: Health Social and Economic Concerns . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-case-against-legalizing-marijuana-health-social-and-economic-concerns/ [Accessed: 9 Jul. 2024]

"The Case Against Legalizing Marijuana: Health Social and Economic Concerns." PapersOwl.com, Jul 06, 2024. Accessed July 9, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-case-against-legalizing-marijuana-health-social-and-economic-concerns/

"The Case Against Legalizing Marijuana: Health Social and Economic Concerns," PapersOwl.com , 06-Jul-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-case-against-legalizing-marijuana-health-social-and-economic-concerns/. [Accessed: 9-Jul-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Case Against Legalizing Marijuana: Health Social and Economic Concerns . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-case-against-legalizing-marijuana-health-social-and-economic-concerns/ [Accessed: 9-Jul-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Clark County Reflects on a Decade of Legal Marijuana as Fears Subside, Commerce Thrives

In Clark County, it's been a decade since the winds of change swept through, replacing blanket prohibition with a burgeoning retail marijuana business. A look back at the area's transition finds that concerns of rampant drug issues have given way to an image of cannabis as just another commodity on Main Street. Local proprietors and officials have observed that the feared societal fallout has failed to materialize since Washington State legalized recreational marijuana use in 2012.

Former skeptics and citizens alike have watched closely to see the impacts unfold. "What we realized was that the sky didn’t fall," Adam Hamide, co-owner of Main Street Marijuana, told Allsides . This sentiment seems to reflect a broader consensus among the community that anticipated problems were largely overblown. Main Street Marijuana, emblematic of this shift, stands as a testament to the regulated market's ability to integrate into the fabric of local commerce.

Washington's decision to legalize recreational marijuana placed it at the forefront of a nationwide shift, sparking a dialogue on drug policy and its societal roles. The state's pioneering of legal marijuana sales served not only to dismantle long-standing taboos but also to pave a path for economic development within a strictly regulated framework. As one of the initial states to put such legislation in place, the progress in Clark County may offer a glimpse into the widespread change underfoot.

It appears that the trepidations once voiced a decade ago have lost their grip, replaced by a collective sense of ease regarding the topic. As communities continue to adapt and the legal marijuana industry grows, the narrative has decidedly shifted from one of caution to one of quiet acceptance and normalization. Despite prevalent concerns at the outset, the integration of marijuana businesses is now seen as just another chapter in the evolving story of American enterprise.

Retail & Industry in ...

Trending in Portland

About 2 hours ago

Beaverton Woman Arrested for Allegedly Stealing $50,000 in Sports Memorabilia From MAX Stop

About 3 hours ago

Hillsboro Opens Filing for City Council Candidates, Mayor Callaway to Exit after Max Tenure

About 4 hours ago

About 17 hours ago

Central Oregon's McCaffery Fire Nears 500 Acres with 25% Containment, Evacuation Levels Adjusted Near Redmond Airport

Heatwave Strikes Powerless Houston in Hurricane Beryl's Wake, Prompting Heat Advisory and Community Response

Philadelphia Plunged into Mourning as Promising Teen Slain at July 4th Party, Days Before Graduation

Amid Summer COVID-19 Surge, CDC Urges American Public to Prepare for Updated Fall Vaccine Booster

Rome, Georgia, Embraces Change with Bustling 3rd Annual Pride Festival Amid Historic Conservative Climate

Austin Hammered by Hurricane Beryl, Over a Million Powerless

Austin Humane Society Appeals for Community Aid in Wake of Hurricane Beryl to Support Scores of Evacuated Pets

Chicago Mayor Vows 'Consequences' Amid Over 100 Shootings; Pleads for Support Comparable to Highland Park

Defendant Crosetti Brand Chooses to Self-Represent in High-Profile Chicago Murder Trial of 11-Year-Old Jayden Perkins

Houston Unites in the Wake of Hurricane Beryl: Mattress Mack Opens Store as Shelter, Community Organizations Offer Aid

Arizona Iced Tea Clings to Iconic 99-Cent Promise, A Resolute Stand Against Inflation

Subscribe to hoodline.

• Hoodline Bay Area
• Hoodline Boston
• Hoodline Chicago
• Hoodline Los Angeles
• Hoodline San Diego
• Hoodline Austin
• Hoodline Dallas
• Hoodline Houston
• Hoodline San Antonio
• Hoodline Miami
• Hoodline Tampa
• Hoodline Atlanta
• Hoodline Baltimore
• Hoodline Charlotte
• Hoodline Denver
• Hoodline Detroit
• Hoodline Honolulu
• Hoodline Indianapolis
• Hoodline Knoxville
• Hoodline Las Vegas
• Hoodline Memphis
• Hoodline Minneapolis
• Hoodline Nashville
• Hoodline Orlando
• Hoodline Philadelphia
• Hoodline Phoenix
• Hoodline Pittsburgh
• Hoodline Portland
• Hoodline Sacramento
• Hoodline Salt Lake City
• Hoodline Seattle
• Hoodline Tucson
• Hoodline Washington, D.C.

• Ballot measures

Signatures submitted for North Dakota initiative to legalize recreational marijuana

In North Dakota, the organization New Economic Frontier reported submitting 22,000 signatures on July 8, 2024, for a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. At least 15,582 of the signatures must be valid.

Burleigh County Commissioner Steve Bakken (R) filed the ballot initiative. He said, “A lot of what we don’t want to see is what’s going on in some of the other states, and we think that this is a measure that fits the conservative nature of North Dakota.”

The initiative would legalize recreational marijuana. Under the measure, individuals could possess up to 1 oz of marijuana, 4g of concentrate, or 300mg of edibles. Individuals would be allowed to grow three plants with a limit of six plants per household.

New Economic Frontier stated, “We believe that legalizing adult-use cannabis is the key to transforming North Dakota. With this, we can unlock economic opportunities for our communities, create new jobs, ensure easier access to medical cannabis, and free up valuable law enforcement resources.”

North Dakota voters rejected a marijuana legalization initiative in 2022 with 55% of voters opposed and in 2018 with 59% of voters opposed. In 2016, North Dakotans approved Issue 6 , which legalized the use of medical marijuana to treat defined debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer, AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, glaucoma, and epilepsy.

As of July 2024, 24 states and Washington, D.C., had legalized the possession and personal use of marijuana for recreational purposes. In 13 states and D.C., the ballot initiative process was used to legalize marijuana. In two states, the legislature referred a measure to the ballot for voter approval. In nine states, bills to legalize marijuana were enacted into law.

Ohio is the most recent state to legalize marijuana in Nov. 2023 after voters approved Issue 2 .

Ballot measures to legalize marijuana for personal use are set to appear on the Nov. 2024 ballot in Florida and South Dakota .

End Unfair Property Tax submitted signatures on June 28 for a ballot initiative that would prohibit property taxes except those used to pay for bond debt.

The North Dakota State Legislature has referred three constitutional amendments to the November ballot. Those measures would do the following:

Measure 1 : Update language used in the state constitution to describe certain state institutions such as changing “insane” to “individuals with mental illness”, “feebleminded” to “individuals with developmental disabilities”, and “deaf and dumb” to “deaf and hard of hearing”;

Measure 2 : Establish a single-subject rule for initiatives; increase the signature requirement for constitutional initiatives; and require constitutional initiatives to be approved at two elections; and

Measure 3 : Change the requirements for transfers from the state legacy fund, which receives 30% of tax revenue from oil and gas production.

Additional reading:

• North Dakota Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2024)

More From Forbes

Florida marijuana legalization bid headed to victory, polls suggest.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Florida's Amendment 3 to legalize recreational marijuana has enough voter support to pass in this ... [+] November's general election, according to two recent polls.

Two recent polls show that Amendment 3, the ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida, is likely to win enough votes to pass in the November general election. The surveys suggest an increase in voter support for the cannabis legalization initiative compared to earlier polls, which indicated Amendment 3 was shy of the 60% support needed to pass.

On Wednesday, the online news source Florida Politics reported that it had obtained the results of a recent poll indicating that Amendment 3 is supported by nearly two-thirds of voters. Conducted between June 26 and June 29, the poll showed that 64% of 1,065 likely voters said they would vote in favor of the recreational cannabis legalization initiative. The survey, which has a reported margin of error of 2.9%, showed universal support for legalizing pot among young voters, with 100% of respondents aged 18 to 29 saying they would vote in favor of Amendment 3.

Last month, a separate poll from Fox News also showed Florida’s marijuana legalization initiative headed to victory with a commanding 66% of voters indicating they would vote for Amendment 3. The poll showed broad support across the political spectrum, with 76% of Democrats, 71% of independent voters and 57% of Republicans saying they would vote in favor of ballot measure. Except for voters aged 65 and older, all demographic groups showed majority support for legalizing weed in Florida. The poll surveyed 1,075 Florida registered voters between June 1 and June 4 and has margin of error of 3 percentage points.

After the results of the poll were made public, Morgan Hill, spokesperson for Smart & Safe Florida, the group behind the marijuana legalization campaign, noted that a majority of Americans now live in a jurisdiction that has legalized cannabis for adults.

“Floridians want and deserve the same right to consume recreational marijuana that more than half the country already enjoys,” Hill said in a press release from the campaign, according to a report from cannabis news outlet Marijuana Moment. “This poll reflects what we at Smart & Safe Florida know to be true: legalizing recreational adult-use marijuana is good for Floridians’ health, safety, and individual freedom.”

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Major Design Upgrade Coming, New Report Claims

Nyt ‘strands’ hints, spangram and answers for tuesday, july 9th, wwe raw results, winners and grades as rhea ripley returns, pot legalization campaign launches new ads.

Last week, Smart & Safe Florida announced that it was celebrating July as Freedom Month and kicking of a new advertising campaign to support Amendment 3. The $1.1 million radio ad campaign features attorney John Morgan, who spearheaded the state’s campaign for the legalization of medical marijuana approved by Florida voters in 2016.

“Throughout the month of July, our campaign will remind voters that freedom means individual rights and an end to arrests and incarceration for simple marijuana possession charges,” Hill said in a statement from the campaign. “We know that thousands of people are arrested every year in Florida for marijuana. When Americans across the country have the right to choose to consume marijuana, it’s a disgrace that Floridians’ individual freedoms are still restricted.”

Amendment 3 Legalizes Recreational Marijuana For Adults

If the constitutional amendment initiative succeeds at the polls in November, Florida’s Amendment 3 would legalize the possession and purchase of up to 3 ounces of marijuana and up to five grams of cannabis concentrates. The measure also allows the state’s current medical marijuana licensees to produce and sell cannabis products to adults aged 21 and up. Amendment 3 also allows state lawmakers to approve regulations for new businesses to enter the recreational marijuana market, although the initiative does not require the legislature to do so. If approved by voters, the cannabis legalization amendment will take effect six months after election day.

Florida's Amendment 3 would legalize recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and older.

The recent polls show an increase in support for Amendment 3 compared to other surveys conducted earlier this year. In April, a USA Today/Ipsos poll found that 57% of voters supported the marijuana legalization measure, while a separate Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Mainstreet Research poll released that month showed only 47% of voters backed the measure. In May, a survey conducted by Cherry Communications for the Florida Chamber of Commerce found that 58% of voters supported Amendment 3, just shy of the 60% support needed for the measure to become law.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

Opinion Moore’s marijuana pardons are a start. Next: sane federal policy.

How to reform national marijuana laws, and fix D.C.’s troubled jail system.

The June 24 editorial, “ Maryland does justice to pardons ,” in praise of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) decision to clear the records of citizens convicted of marijuana possession, correctly highlights the positive impacts of legalization and clemency for low-level offenses. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that cannabis reform requires not just the actions of individual states, but comprehensive federal action.

A recent Pew Research Center poll reveals that 88 percent of U.S. adults believe marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use. In the absence of action on Capitol Hill, states have taken the lead, demonstrating the need for national legislation that aligns with their progressive policies. This overwhelming public support underscores the need for Congress to do what only the federal government can: pass legislation to offer states and researchers clarity, and to support legal operators while undermining illegal markets.

We commend President Biden’s actions, including his 2022 pardons for people convicted of federal and D.C. simple-possession offenses and his support for rescheduling cannabis. These steps are commendable, but significant work still needs to be done. Bipartisan legislation such as the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (States) Act represents a critical opportunity to bridge the gap between state and federal policies on cannabis. The bill would resolve the banking access and capital lending issues that have made it harder for legal marijuana businesses to thrive, give law enforcement assistance to states that have chosen not to legalize or decriminalize marijuana, and make it easier for researchers to study marijuana. By aligning federal policy with state regulations, the States Act ensures safer legal cannabis markets and supports states that have chosen to legalize medicinal and adult-use cannabis while protecting those that have opted to maintain prohibition.

Importantly, this legislation also garners support from law enforcement organizations such as the Peace Officers Research Association of California and the Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs. Their endorsements mark the first time these leading law enforcement groups have supported cannabis legislation.

It is vital that we rectify the injustices of past marijuana convictions. But we also have to look forward. The States Act is a pivotal step toward creating a coherent and effective national cannabis policy that will allow legal cannabis markets to operate safely and efficiently, provide economic benefits and avoid the mistakes and unfairness of the past.

Shanita Penny , Washington

The writer is co-executive director of the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education and Regulation.

Rethinking D.C.’s jail

Regarding the June 22 editorial, “ D.C.’s jail is getting an update. Just not the one it needs. ”:

The editorial discussing which of D.C.’s new jail projects should proceed first failed to address deep and urgently needed policy changes — and the alarming lack of transparency from the city’s Department of Corrections regarding current practices. Discussions about improving conditions at the D.C. jail have not included the urgent need for decarceration, enhanced oversight and ending the use of solitary confinement.

Counting people incarcerated both in the city jail and federal facilities, D.C. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country. With the 2024 D.C. jail population reaching its highest level in the last five years, the best way to protect the rights and health of incarcerated people is to reduce the number of people jailed.

Ending the torturous practice of solitary confinement is a priority. Solitary confinement is proved to cause severe psychological harm. Reports that solitary is the default placement for people concerned for their safety or experiencing a mental health crisis are frequent , yet the DOC keeps the public in the dark about the extent of and justification for its use.

There must be immediate legislative action to address these human rights violations. The ERASE Solitary Confinement Act, introduced by D.C. Council member Brianne K. Nadeau (D-Ward 1), would end the use of solitary confinement in D.C.’s jails. Passage of this legislation would ensure more humane treatment for all incarcerated residents. The council needs to hold a hearing on the ERASE Act without delay, and then pass it into law.

While the living conditions for people held in jail are crucial, how the DOC treats its incarcerated residents is equally significant. Ending solitary confinement and inhumane practices, while improving transparency and accountability, could transform our correctional system into one that rehabilitates and respects every individual’s dignity.

Jessica Sandoval , Silver Spring

The writer is national director of the Unlock the Box Campaign.

Leadership for D.C. schools

Regarding the June 22 Metro article “ Assistant superintendent to lead education department in interim position ”:

D.C. needs a permanent leader of its education department. That the city has a very long road is made very clear in a statistic cited at the end of this brief article: Of the students who were ninth-graders in the 2011-2012 school year, only 18 out of every 100 earned a postsecondary degree within six years of their high school graduation.

This is a sad reflection on the failure of our secondary schools to provide a successful bridge from high school to college. While not every student needs to attain a college diploma, we need a better graduation rate than 18 percent.

Martin Tillman , Washington

A better ballot

Regarding the June 22 Metro article “ Spain tops Democrats’ vote to fill board seat ”:

In Arlington’s Democratic primary for an open seat on its county board — essentially its city council — Julius D. “JD” Spain Sr. won a crowded contest with 52 percent of the vote. A whopping 95 percent of voters, who cast their ballots in a ranked-choice voting system, expressed their preference between Mr. Spain and the second-place finisher, Natalie U. Roy.

Earlier this month, we saw a very different outcome just over the state line. In the Democratic primary for D.C.’s open Ward 7 council seat, Wendell Felder, one of 10 candidates, won with less than 24 percent of the vote. The next two candidates came in with 20.2 percent and 20.1 percent of the vote, respectively, a difference of just 16 ballots.

The two races form a stark illustration of the value of ranked-choice voting. Voters in Arlington got to rank their top three candidates for the county board. If their first choice didn’t have a chance to win, their vote still counted for a backup choice who did, giving them a greater say in the outcome in a crowded race and giving candidates a better chance to build a real coalition. D.C. voters had no such luck, and Mr. Felder and his opponents did not have the opportunity to demonstrate that they had a mandate from their constituents.

By all measures, ranked-choice voting has been a logistical success in Arlington. In an exit poll , 88 percent of voters said it was easy and 67 percent said they would like to use it again; there were strong majorities of support across age and race.

D.C. has an opportunity to adopt the same voting method. If Initiative 83 makes November’s ballot, D.C. voters will have the chance to choose to use ranked-choice voting in primary and general elections, as well as to let independents vote in taxpayer-funded party primaries. (State law already allows most Virginia cities and counties to opt into ranked-choice voting for their local elections.) D.C. residents should seize this opportunity.

Lisa D. T. Rice , Washington

Liz White , Chesterfield, Va.

Ms. Rice leads Make All Votes Count D.C., which is backing Initiative 83. Ms. White is executive director of UpVote Virginia.

While it was heartening to see The Post report promptly on the results of the June 18 Democratic primary in Arlington, the most significant fact about that election is that not even 13 percent of registered voters cast ballots. That appallingly low turnout for an election that is essentially a proxy for November’s Arlington County Board election is a shocking example of how voters might be tuning out with regard to civic participation.

Margaret McKelvey , Arlington

A new vision

Philip Kennicott’s June 23 review, “ A library worthy of, well, Shakespeare ,” did an excellent job of describing the new $80 million renovation of the Folger Shakespeare Library. He captured the tensions between the Folger’s efforts to reach out to the public and to expand the collection to include broader areas of interest such as race, Renaissance cooking, medicine and the role of the women, and its inability to detach itself from “bardolatry,” with its exhibition of 82 first folios displayed “like treasure in a vault, or corpses in a morgue.”

No one but the most die-hard Shakespeare scholars is interested in looking at 82 copies of the first folio. The Folger could use that space to create exhibits that would actually interest the public — and illustrate why Shakespeare studies can be interesting, fun and relevant.

Literary studies have been dying for some time, eclipsed by the STEM fields. It might be true, as Folger Director Michael Witmore told Mr. Kennicott, that “while the patient was on the table, we did everything we could.” But for an operation to be successful, the surgeon has to think about the best ways to reintegrate the patient into the world in which he’ll have to survive. Exhibiting 82 copies of the first folio is not going to help the Folger recover or interest the public the library needs to stay alive.

It’s not too late to rethink this. After the opening, replace the first folio exhibition with rotating exhibitions that will interest and inspire the public and illustrate why we need to keep paying attention to the bard. Shakespeare’s work is still relevant even if the folio exhibit is not.

Elisabeth Waugaman , Rockville

About letters to the editor

The Post welcomes letters to the editor on any subject, especially those that expand upon the ideas raised by published pieces and those that raise valuable questions about The Post’s practices and choices. Letters should run no more than 400 words, be submitted only to the Post and must be published under your real name. Submit a letter .

Minor and Major Arguments on Legalization of Marijuana Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Minor argument

Major argument.

Conlusion : Marijuana should not be legalised.

Premises 1 : If marijuana were to be legalized it would be impossible to regulate its’ sell to, and use by the minors. It would set free, the bounds that exist on the transit of the drug, making it reach the intended and unintended places including possession by children. The use of the drug by minors on the other hand has devastating effects.

Premises 2 : legalization increases the use of the drug for non-medical reasons. Legalization increases the circulation in the society which means that those who are to use it for reactional purposes are also getting it at increased rates than when it is illegal. The increased use for non-medical reasons means more abuse in the society (White, 2009).

Premises 3: Marijuana use has long-term adverse medical effects. Legalization the legalization would mean that the country was allowing the citizens be exposed to these conditions when it was possible to control such through having it remain illegal (Vick, 2010).

Premise 4 : Even when used for medical reasons, Marijuana still has side effects which need to be avoided through not legalizing it. They include destabilized thinking.

Premise 5 : With legal marijuana, deviancy cases will increase. Marijuana has been directly related to crime. With it being legalized, the impact is that crime will rise.

Support: As Govier (2010) identifies, “Marijuana should not be legalized. That’s because sustained use of marijuana worsens a person’s memory, and nothing that adversely affects one’s mental abilities should be legalized”. According to Govier (2010), the medical harms of marijuana outweigh its medical benefits.

Lepore (1985) states, “Marijuana should not be legalized because of its side effects!!” According to Lepore (1985), “Marijuana weakens the adrenal glands”, and displaces a vitamin called L-glutamine. The loss of L-glutamine, according to Lepore (1985), makes one have a hampered thinking.

A survey by U.S Department of Justice (1992), identified that 80 percent of the American population believe “it was a bad idea” to legalize and only “14% said it was a good idea”. As Peck and Dolch (2001) state, Marijuana use in a case study caused a boy to, “ran away from home a couple of times, vandalize buildings, and stole things”. As the authors believe, such use distorts the normal behavior of the citizens thus a loss especially from the most active category of the youth.

Conlusion: marijuana should be legalized.

Premise 1 : Marijuana remaining illegal is against the constitutional rights of people. According to the constitution, citizen posses the right to chose what they do as liberty bestowed on them by the constitution. Not legalizing it makes it that the government was controlling their liberty thus defining what they can do not do with their own lives.

Premise 2: Some people are prescribed to use marijuana as a medication to their medical conditions. Making marijuana illegal is denying them a right to the use of this substance as a medicine. This is inhumane because for some the unavailability of marijuana due to its being illegal means they have to suffer pains (Cantor & Berkowitz, 1984).

Premise 3: Having marijuana as illegal is an act of discrimination. It discriminates the minority who are the citizens and users of the drug. This discrimination leads to branding and name calling on this category and thus an act which continues and fuels deviancy in society.

Premise 4: Marijuana being illegal causes legal battles which lead to waste of security and law enforcement resources. With this quality, the police units are engaged in constant struggles called drug wars. This reduces the number of police who can be engaged in other meaningful security activities aimed at protecting citizens.

Support: Rosenthal, Kubby and Newhart (2003) state, “ the damage to the mental health of millions of Americans as a result of arrest, incarceration, loss of property, and humiliation are far more serious than any medical damage ever reported from the use of marijuana” as Rosenthal, Kubby and Newhart (2003) believe, marijuana’s use for medical reasons is a valid reason why it has to be legalized because for these categories, denying them through having it illegal is like denying then a drug they cannot live without.

As Rosenthal, Kubby and Newhart (2003) believe too, the millions who depend on marijuana for medical and non-medical reasons should not be made to suffer further loses through the court procedures they are put to.

Study done by Flowers (1999) reveled that, “1 in 10 respondents believed use of marijuana should be legal. Nearly 49 percent felt that marijuana should be legal by prescription for medical purposes, while over 13 percent believed marijuana use should be decriminalized”

Cantor, N., & Berkowitz, L. (1984). Theorizing in social psychology: Special topics . Orlando: Academic Press.

Flowers, R. B. (1999). Drugs, alcohol and criminality in American society . Jefferson, NC: McFarland.

Govier, T. (2010). A practical study of argument . Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.

Lepore, D. (1985). The ultimate healing system: Breakthrough in nutrition, Kinesiology and holistic healing techniques: course manual . Pleasant Grove, Utah: Woodland Pub.

Rosenthal, E., Kubby, S., & Newhart, S. (2003). Why marijuana should be legal . Philadelphia: Running Press.

U.S Department of Justice (1992). Drugs, Crime, and the Justice System . New York: DIANE Publishing.

Peck, D. L., & Dolch, N. A. (2001). Extraordinary behavior: A case study approach to understanding social problems . Westport, Conn: Praeger.

Vick, D. (2010). Drugs & Alcohol in the 21st Century: Theory, Behavior, & Policy . NY: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

White, J. E. (2009). Contemporary moral problems . Australia: Thomson Wadsworth.

• Moral, Ethical, and Social Issues
• Argument About Legalizing Marijuana in America
• Why Is Marijuana Legalized In Some States And Not Others?
• Contemporary Examples of Fascist Thoughts
• Revolution's Positive Effects
• Crime Prevention Programs in the State of California
• Fundamental Right to Live: Abolish the Death Penalty
• Should Guns be Limited?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, October 12). Minor and Major Arguments on Legalization of Marijuana. https://ivypanda.com/essays/legalization-of-marijuana/

"Minor and Major Arguments on Legalization of Marijuana." IvyPanda , 12 Oct. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/legalization-of-marijuana/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Minor and Major Arguments on Legalization of Marijuana'. 12 October.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Minor and Major Arguments on Legalization of Marijuana." October 12, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/legalization-of-marijuana/.

1. IvyPanda . "Minor and Major Arguments on Legalization of Marijuana." October 12, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/legalization-of-marijuana/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Minor and Major Arguments on Legalization of Marijuana." October 12, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/legalization-of-marijuana/.

Home — Essay Samples — Law, Crime & Punishment — Marijuana Legalization — The Pros and Cons of Marijuana Legalization

The Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana

• Categories: Marijuana Marijuana Legalization

About this sample

Words: 1060 |

Published: Oct 17, 2018

Words: 1060 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, pros and cons of marijuana legalization (essay), conclusion and reflection.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof. Kifaru

Verified writer

• Expert in: Nursing & Health Law, Crime & Punishment

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 656 words

2 pages / 1007 words

1 pages / 568 words

2 pages / 819 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Marijuana Legalization

The debate surrounding the legalization of medical marijuana has been a contentious and evolving issue in many countries around the world. While it remains illegal in some places, an increasing number of regions are recognizing [...]

The debate over the legalization of weed is a contentious and multifaceted issue, with implications for medicine, economics, ethics, and society. In this essay on whether weed should be legalized, we will explore the potential [...]

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been used for various medical purposes for centuries. However, its legality and acceptance as a medical treatment have been a subject of debate for many years. This essay will argue that [...]

The debate over the dangers of Marijuana has been a dominant topic of conversation for a long time. Unfortunately, many individuals have a problem accepting the plant’s demonstrated medicinal effects. Opinions on medical [...]

Cannabis is a medication that is continually being discussed everywhere throughout the media. There is steady discussion on whether it ought to be legitimized or not. Likewise, banter on if it somehow happened to be authorized, [...]

Cities like Delhi and Mumbai are positioned among the globes top 10 cities with the most increased rates of cannabis (marijuana or weed) consumption every year , according to a study by Seedo, an Israel-based firm that sells [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free