Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana Should marijuana be legalized? There is no shortage on either side of this debate as to whether marijuana should be legalized or not. The question of legalizing marijuana involves changing the law (Federal Controlled Substances Act) to make it legal to produce, sell and possess in specific quantities. Legalizing marijuana at the end of the day is a bad public policy and liability due to the effects it has on loss of short term memory, birth defects, and impairing mental functions to name a few. The fact is, marijuana is the majority unlawful generally used drug in the United States and around the world as well. For those who are in favor of making the drug legal for medicinal uses, or just for general recreational use, should recognize that the long term use of the drug itself is why it should not be legalized. Take for example legalized gambling which is taxed and regulated. It certainly has not had any effect on people going to the casinos, gambling on sports or playing the lotto. In fact, it has increased it. Although tobacco and alcohol are taxed and regulated as the proponents would like done to marijuana as well, the revenue generated is pale in comparison to the consequences. By that, health problems, dependency problems, indirect effects …show more content…
A study conducted by Charles D. Stimson, a senior Legal Fellow in the Center for Legal & Judicial Studies at the Heritage Foundation, indicate that millions of Americans consume moderate amounts of alcohol without ever “moving on” to dangerous drugs, marijuana use and cocaine. In addition, Law enforcement and the courts are aware that the vast majority of defendants arrested for violent crimes test positive for illegal drugs, including marijuana. They also know that marijuana is the starter drug of choice for most