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Arguments Against Legalizing Marijuana

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This paper reviews the ongoing debate over whether or not the use of marijuana should be decriminalized in the United States. It explores different views for the arguments supporting legalization. Does marijuana have valid medical uses? What economic benefits would arise from the legalization of marijuana? Is it a safer recreational drug than alcohol, which is widely accepted in the U.S.? Should the personal beliefs and opinions of some limit the rights of others to use the drug? Many states have already legalized the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and several have legalized it use recreationally. Marijuana: Arguments for Decriminalization The ongoing debate over whether or not marijuana should be legalized under certain circumstance …show more content…

The question of whether or not people should be allowed to smoke marijuana solely for the purpose of enjoying the high they achieve has drawn severe skepticism. Opponents worry about the side effects of allowing for the legalization of another mind altering substance to go along with alcohol. They say it could lead to increased addiction, violence, and accidental deaths caused by drivers operating vehicles under the influence of the drug. So is marijuana addictive? According to an article in Psychology Today by Dr. Jann Gumbiner (2010), “For most people, no. About 10% of recreational users will develop problems serve enough to impair their work and relationships”(para.7). She also states, “Compared to other substances, marijuana is not very addicting. It is estimated that 32% of tobacco users will become addicted, 23% of heroin users, 17% of cocaine users, and 15% of alcohol users (para. 2). So what makes alcohol a safer choice for people? Statistics from Colorado’s Department of Transportation (2014) show a decrease in the number of fatalities caused by drugged drivers since 2003 (Drugged Driving Statistics section). Supporters of legalization compare its use to that of alcohol and argue that marijuana’s ban stems more from an ideological view than that of science. They point to the negative health effects of alcohol and crime statistics related to its use as evidence. Though some crimes have been linked to marijuana use, authors Morris, TenEyck, Barnes, and Kovandiz (2014) argue, “The association between marijuana use and crime appears to exist because of its illegality. Thus, if the possession and sale of marijuana was legal the relationship between marijuana and crime might disappear” (pg.

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