drugs unit 6 responses

1. I think that the legalization of marijuana and its effects on kids, adolescents, and young adults below the age of twenty-one is similar to the effects of purchasing alcohol before turning twenty-one. By this, I mean that there is a high chance that kids, adolescents, and young adults will most likely try using the drug marijuana or consume alcohol before becoming twenty-one. I think that the only way things will be different with legalization is that marijuana will be more easily accessible for young adults. Children in high school can obtain marijuana from friends that are older or siblings, and then pass it along to their friends in school. Similarly, those who are twenty-one can purchase alcohol for younger siblings or friends that then share the drug amongst others. If caught by the police, kids, adolescents, and young adults who cannot legally buy cannabis until they are twenty-one will also only get in trouble for having the drug underage, rather than having the illegal drug at all. Generally, the legalization of marijuana allows young adults to use the drug more and potentially abuse it. Additionally, legalization can change communities tremendously. There are always going to be two opposing sides to the legalization of marijuana. Within a community, these sides may battle about what they feel is right and think that their side is the only right one. Also, with the legalization of marijuana comes the use of it in public and in the streets, which may be different for some towns. For example, I live in Point Pleasant which is a very small town. If people were using marijuana in town and amongst the streets, I think some people would be very bothered by that. I think if stores opened that would sell marijuana may bother people less, but they’re still people who would go against it. The legalization of marijuana will ultimately affect both children and communities which is why it is such a difficult issue. Hence, decisions need to be made and people need to agree on things for the legalization of marijuana to be legalized.

2. Honeslty, I can see both sides of it legalization of marijuana. It definitely reduces crime, and in the prisions too (less people for that). And it does lower taxes with that as well. BUT, I still feel like those who are under 21 can still get their hands on it.  It's still unlawful for minors, I think NJ created three offenses for those who are possesing marijuna on them, while under age. To me, it seems like another way to still be able to use it and to possibly get "caught". But in reality it just depends on that childs environment, do the parents smoke marijuana or cigarettes, do their friends parents condone in that stuff? Kids like to mimick what adults do or say because it looks cool and more adult-like. Changing the community, probably won't do as much, or have much effect of it. People are high all the time regardless, so I feel like there won't be a difference. Except on crime, and stuff in that matter. It'll be weird to see someone smoking a blunt or a joint infront of cops, when I knew it was illegal to do that.. plus you can smell it a mile away too.

3. Science reveals that the brain develops throughout adolescence and does not mature until ages 22 to 23 for young women, 24 to 25 for young men. Also, the younger kids are when they start using addictive drugs, the more likely they’ll become addicted. Children who start drinking or smoking pot at age 14 or before are eight times more likely to become addicted to alcohol, six times more likely to become addicted to marijuana than those who start in their 20s, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.  One potential effect that legalization may have is an increase in adolescent use due to increased availability, greater social acceptance, and possibly lower prices. Of course, it isn’t known what adolescent consumption patterns will be if marijuana is widely available and marketed in different forms, or the development of marijuana use disorders and school performance, but it will affect society and the community as a whole. The five ways it could affect my city are: 

· The pot store is the new liquor store

· Cannabis in all forms are visible

· I will see more businesses support it

· Possibly seeing state-of-the-art grow houses

· It could be at a hotel, bar, or different places 

Everything will overall look different.

4. I believe that legalizing marjuana could help the community in so many different ways. To begin, I believe it would clear up the prison system leaving room for people who really deserve to be there. I think that for younger kids or adolescents, it could influence and make it more avaliable to them by making it legal. Even in that case, I feel that it opens up doors for people with addictions to come out and get help, without being ashamed. Although there is some evidence on marijuana use cause psychosis, there is still a very open field and much research to be done under the topic of cannabis. Many people also use marijuana for medical reasons, making it more accisable could be a beneift.

5. Legalization will affect kids, adolescents and young adults who arent able to legally buy cannabis until they are 21 or older because they will find it by all means necessary at that point. I am sure that those that are able to get it will sell it to the younger ones and then it'll become a different type of drug deal at that point. Legalization will change the community because now there will not be a "law or rule" to stop the kids from doing it. Even thought there will be a age limit if its done it wont be illegal. Therefore charges wont be filled. It will in some way force the community to accept the fact that there is marijuana in the atmosphere and its going to be done one way or another.

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