The Pros And Cons Of Legalizing Marijuana

Marijuana has a history in the United States that most do not even know about. It was brought in by Mexican immigrants and was only outlawed to control the immigrant population. Today however, there is movement to legalize the substance again, for both its original purpose, medicine, and for recreational use. The pros and cons of having marijuana around for anyone to use and how it affects us as a society can be misleading. There are several reasons that legalizing marijuana would be beneficial to a society, “Marijuana is defined as a drug that comes from the cannabis plant, which is indigenous to Asia” (What is Marijuana, p.1). Cannabis is the natural plant that comes in the form of a seed and is nutritious containing many vitamins and minerals.

Scientist have reported, “that THC and other cannabinoids such as CBD slow growth and/or cause death in certain types of cancer cells growing in laboratory dishes” (American Cancer Society, 2015). We are now in the process of using marijuana for medical related issues for health promotions. From a medical stand point, marijuana could potentially be very effective with controlling symptoms caused be predispositions. According to the proponents of medical marijuana, “it can be safe and effective treatment for the symptoms of cancer, AIDS, MS, and pain” (Should medical marijuana be an option, 2016). This has the potential to lessen or decrease symptoms of diseases. It can also be used for other useful sources; for instance, “American production of hemp was encouraged by the government in 17th century for the production of rope, sails, and clothing” (Frontline, 2014, p.1). Another positive outcome of marijuana is, since it is natural, it causes a calming and relaxing effect, which creates a high-like, euphoric

One example that is negative is the fact it can be very addictive. Being very addictive can lead to a state of dependence, similar to caffeine or alcohol. As a result of this addiction more people will become unreliable and very lazy; making a generation that is not helping out the community and economy. Another con is the fact that marijuana is used as a gateway drug. Therefore, causing marijuana users to be more at risk for illegal drugs such as; LSD, meth, or cocaine. A recent study by Yale University, “teenage boys who abused alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana were 2 to 3 times more likely to abuse prescription drugs during adulthood” (gateway drug status, p.6). Marijuana also gives someone an altered state of perception, which causes people to have a loss of perception, judgmental skills and mental impairment. Since the widespread use of marijuana more MVA have been the result of using the illegal drug. In addition to the cons mentioned already, there is one more that is very important and could cost one’s job. For example, when applying for a job where a drug screen will be required to take and needs to come back negative. If test results come back positive for marijuana, the individual will not be hired for the