Controversial Arguments Against Legalizing Marijuana

Legalizing Marijuana
When it comes to controversial topics, none has stirred the “pot” more than the legalization of marijuana. It is loved by many and hated by the law. It is one of the primary focuses on the War on Drugs. Many use it recreationally while just recently it has become a medical breakthrough with a potential to treat a wide range of diseases and illnesses. Over the years, it has gained a tremendous amount of public support. Two states, Colorado and Washington, have already made marijuana legal and California could be next in line to legalize marijuana in 2016. It could be a matter of time before we see marijuana legal in all fifty states. The United States policy makers should be more open-minded and understand that marijuana

The debate here revolves around the medical value and the risks of marijuana. Joycelyn Elders, a Professor of Public Health at the University Of Arkansas School Of Medicine and a former US surgeon general, states, “The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relive certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer, AIDS or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them.” (“Medical Marijuana,” 2009). Elders also states that marijuana is less toxic than many other drugs prescribed by physicians. Some people, on the other hand, may argue that marijuana is not safe as a medicine. Bill Frist, a former US Senator, states “Although I understand many believe that marijuana is the most effective drug in combating their medical ailments, I would caution against this assumption due to lack of consistent, repeatable scientific data available to prove marijuana’s medical benefits.” (Medical Marijuana,” 2009). Frist also believes that there are less harmful medications available that offer the same relief from pain and other

You can call it what you want but this is more than just a plant. It is a medicine with numerous medical benefits. It can relive pain from diseases and illness such as cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and many more too numerous to list. As hemp it has an almost unlimited amount of uses. All other resources pale in comparison to hemp. Some may argue that by legalizing marijuana, it will impact our youths the most since it will become more easily available but just like alcohol, there should be a restriction on the drug. By legalizing cannabis, it will create jobs which would greatly help the economy. If we follow in Colorado’s footstep and apply a 25% tax on the drug, it will also boost our economy. Slowly but surely, marijuana is becoming more socially acceptable than it once was. If history has taught us anything, it is that prohibition does not work. We are seeing that with marijuana, just like we did with alcohol. By making something illegal, it does not stop consumers from using it; it only creates more problems. The difference here is that marijuana is safer than alcohol and it has the research to back it up. The United States policy makers should be more open-minded and understand that marijuana is not as health-threatening as they think it is, and should consider legalizing it because of its medical value and many more positive