States keep saying “Yes” to legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Many people are divided in their opinions. Unfortunately, what many people do not do is stop and listen to the pros and cons of marijuana and actually take the time to understand where each side is coming from and the facts. What we need to remember is that every argument has two sides. States have many slang words for marijuana. Some call it a doobie, blunt, happy cigarette, grass and many more. According to Newsweek there are actually 1,200 slang terms to describe marijuana and its strains. At least 84% of the public supports legalized use of medical marijuana, while 61% believe recreational marijuana should be legal too. (Business Insider) What most people want …show more content…
Anyone 21 and older can purchase weed in Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska. (Money CNN) This benefits billions of dollars to the economy and also creates hundreds if not thousands of new jobs. In 2016 retail marijuana made around $200 million in state tax revenue. (High Times Magazine) In 2015 around 18,000 full-time jobs were created in Colorado. Tourism also increased and contributed to the states where weed is legal because when they travel to these states they spend money not only on marijuana but other things while …show more content…
However, legalizing it creates a standard for quality and control. There are less likely to be serious problems due to overdoses of hidden substances than in street selling of weed. (Honest Marijuana) Rates of marijuana use among middle and high school kids are high right now according to Drug Abuse.gov The effects of smoking marijuana may be more harmful to teenagers because their brains are still developing. (WebMD) Although all of these facts are great, there is a con side to legalizing marijuana as well. The smoke from the weed is still smoke. It can be just as harmful as tobacco, harmful to your lungs and respiratory system. Especially if tobacco is combined with marijuana. Brain imaging scans show people who are heavy marijuana smokers have changes in their blood flow. It can affect memory and attention to things. (WebMD) Many people will spare their lungs and bake it in brownies, cakes and other foods. Studies show neither is safe and that you might not feel the effects as quickly when in food so people tend to keep eating it to get the “high” and ingest more than they