There are two sides of this controversy. The side that is against legalization of marijuana argues that marijuana is a gateway drug with unknown long-term side effects and several short-term side effects that can impair judgment and driving by a person under the influence of marijuana and have addiction possibilities. The side that is for the legalization of marijuana argues that there is no proof that marijuana is addictive or a gateway drug. That marijuana is equal to cigarettes and alcohol, so therefore should be legal. That marijuana is beneficial to medicinal purposes when other medicines are not effective. Before we journey into this controversy, we should consider two matters, the first matter is to understand what marijuana is. Marijuana is comprised of dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. There are various …show more content…
The main active ingredient is the Delta-9 tetrahydro-cannabinol, which is also called THC. The THC is the ingredient that gives the high and has a wide range of THC potency between different products. The second matter is to ask ourselves some important questions if we say “Yes” to legalizing marijuana. Such as, what is the future of our society? What is the future of our children? What is the future for our children’s children? What laws are in place to protect the abuse of marijuana? Do we have enough knowledge and research about marijuana? So, should marijuana be legalized? I don’t feel that this is a blanket yes or no question, but a two-part answer instead. As to just say yes, could hurt our children and our society, however to just say no, could affect those who have a life deteriorating or terminal illness who have benefited from marijuana treatment. So my answer is no, we should not legalize recreational use of marijuana and we should legalize medical marijuana with strict guidelines and criteria just as other pharmaceutical