Marijuana Should Not Be Legalized Essay

Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers and stems of the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. This plant contains a mind-altering chemical called delta-9-tetrahydroconnabinol (THC) (NIDA drug abuse). Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug according to Jess Shatkin author of Child & Adolescent Mental Health (Shatkin 296). Its use is widespread among adolescents. Before studying the lesson on substance abuse disorders, I felt that marijuana should not be legalized because the use of marijuana interferes with judgment and concentration. Marijuana use also interferes with brain functions, such as memory and attention. Since most first time users of marijuana are teenagers and this is the time when the brain is going through many important changes, this can lead to permanent problems with memory. This makes it harder for teens to focus and succeed in school. Teenagers who use marijuana regularly are known to less likely be able to finish high school, more likely to use other drugs and to commit suicide. The use of marijuana can also ruin a teenagers’ future. For example, many youth have been arrested for marijuana use. Having a criminal record makes it hard for these teens to be able to get financial aid for college and get good jobs. This is why it is really important to have laws that prevent youth from buying

After learning about the medicinal properties of marijuana, I know believe that it should be legalized across all 50 United States. Medical marijuana can relieve severe pain and suffering. It can reduce intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. Marijuana can alleviate symptoms of a wide range of deliberating medical conditions, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease, epilepsy, and Crohn’s Disease. Marijuana may also help manage some mental health conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Drug Policy