Persuasive Essay On Legalizing Marijuana

Marijuana, a controversial weed, appeared in the United States at the beginning of the 20 century. It has never been widely accepted as tobacco. In 1996, California became the first state to approve the use of marijuana for medical purposes, starting its medical value in the United States. Now Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia currently have laws broadly legalizing marijuana in some form (governing). What makes more and more states legalize marijuana? According to Huddleston, one of the most important reasons is legalization of weed could be a good way for local government to increase their revenue when the local government is lack of money for the public service. For instance, it’s estimated that Washington’s legalization of marijuana

In addition, some of people argue that marijuana is effective in improving treatment for glaucoma, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that means more people will be free to use marijuana for their headache or indigestion. Also some argue that marijuana is not as addictive as other harder drugs, such as cocaine and heroin (Easton). Are these sound reasons, which support medical marijuana broadly legalized, or marijuana legalized for recreational use? No, these aren’t sufficient grounds to make marijuana decriminalization because it is a dangerous drug. Using marijuana could impair driving, have potential on youth, and change users’ personalities and damage their brains. Just because marijuana can bring great economic benefits to local government doesn’t mean that local governments should ignore its serious negative effects. All the states should say “no” to marijuana decriminalization expect for harsh medical

So far, motor vehicle fatality statistics in the US are striking. In Washington State, fatal crashes among drivers who tested positive for marijuana doubled from 8% in 2013 to 17% in 2014 (Samhsa). In Colorado the number of drivers in fatal crashes who tested positive for marijuana without other drugs in their system tripled between 2005 and 2014 from 3.4% to 12.1% (Carliner). Therefore, when local governments discuss about the legalization of marijuana, they must consider a clear-headed assessment regarding the impact of legalization on road safety. They also must create a scientifically sound and fair approach toward drug-impaired driving, and develop appropriate standards and penalties to enforce any new