Pros And Cons Of Legalizing Marijuana

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The legalization of Cannabis, more commonly known as marijuana, pot, weed, hash, or Mary Jane is one of the most debated topics in America. Cannabis is a type of plant that, when prepared correctly, can be used either as medicine or as a recreational drug. This drug is often consumed or smoked in order to achieve the mental and physicals effects that entail such as a better, more relaxed mood and an increase in appetite. There are several side effects to the consummation of marijuana. A decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, red eyes, and feelings of anxiety may occur. There are pros and cons to the legalization of marijuana but in the overall picture the pros outweigh the cons so therefore the use of marijuana should …show more content…

Cannabis is a much safer drug to use when compared to alcohol and tobacco. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the overuse of alcohol and tobacco combined is responsible for an average of 568,000 deaths annually. There is not even a record for how many people have died from an over dosage of weed because the number is so low. Marijuana also has medicinal value; studies over the recent years have shown that the use of medicinal marijuana is incredibly beneficial in the ability to cure serious diseases including cancer and AIDS. While the American Medical Association (AMA) neither denies nor confirms the benefit of medicinal marijuana, the AMA has concluded that more tests and research needs to be completed before they decide one way or another. The legalization of marijuana can also help the government generate additional tax revenue. Colorado started selling legalized marijuana on January 1st, 2014. In the first six months of legalization Colorado alone generated more than twenty-five million dollars of pot-related tax revenue. If all fifty of the states legalized weed, the United States of America could generate an additional three billion dollars in tax revenue, helping to lower the national debt, not to mention that the government would actually save money by legalizing Mary Jane. Harvard economist Jeffrey Miron says that the 8.7 billion dollars is being spent per year just to enforce laws against marijuana. Many people also use the reasons that Cannabis has several nutritious forms, grows easily, and is environmentally friendly to advocate for the legalization of this powerful