A+ 1500 words research paper

Side effects

Marijuana, however, faces challenging issues which it brings along and is the primary cause for concern because, once abused, the drug can lead to severe adversities. To most people, marijuana use remains a mystery to them in their early years and regard it as unnecessary leisure, which can be avoided and feel like they can live without. According to a study conducted, there was an increasing trend in the use of marijuana in the United States from 2013. Data collected from 12th graders from the year 1976 to 2015 showed that they had not used the drug at any time. However, the trend changed from 2013 where college students started increasingly taking the substance (Miech et al. 996-1002). This change in the trend shows how the legalization of marijuana affects its use in that people start increasingly abusing the drug. The same case is expected for Canadiana university students because they are now able to access and use the drug at will hence will develop the sense of curiosity and increased want to abuse it. Therefore, the legalization will not only increase the use but also the number of active users who abuse it as a result of ease of obtaining it and freedom to use (Miech et al. 998). Comment by Miranda: Significance? Comment by Miranda: In-text citation Comment by Miranda: In-text citation Comment by Miranda: When Comment by Miranda: Awkward wording Comment by Miranda: Awkward wording

The use of marijuana impairs judgment and several psychomotor skills which are necessary for the body (Fischer et al. 180). While driving, it is essential for one to be keen and have good reflexes which enables them to adequately use the road to ensure their safety and that of other road users. In a study conducted in Toronto College, students who drive four hours after using marijuana had lapses which were dangerous and could cause accidents if not cautious enough. Opening windows, drinking alcohol, playing loud music and eating before and during driving are all associated with marijuana because the drivers assume that through this methods they can reduce the effects of the substance (Fischer et al. 185). However, this is a brew for more troubles because they don’t reduce the effects but expose the users to more risk of accidents because they are not attentive to the road. With the authorization of the substance in Canada, the cases of such accidents are expected to skyrocket because it’s legal to smoke or abuse the substance. Comment by Miranda: In-text citation Comment by Miranda: Unclear. Do you mean that opening windows, drinking alcohol, playing music, and eating are all related to distracted driving? Or do you mean that people hope that these things will make them more aware while driving after having smoked marijuana?

Furthermore, despite having several health benefits, marijuana has numerous side effects which result from the prolonged abuse. Firstly, marijuana contains tar and other carbons which are contained in the smoke. When smoked for long periods of time, it forms a layer of black substance along the lungs and nose which could eventually block the lungs hence death (Volkow et al. 2219-2227). Also, the tar is a dangerous substance, which is known to cause carcinogenic reactions which results to activation if cancerous cells and thus the development of different types of cancers such as lung cancer. Secondly, it leads to cognitive effects which include to loss of the ability plan, make decisions as well as control different impulses (Volkow et al. 2219-2227). This is a serious condition which could lead to a subsequent decline in memory and other mental disabilities. The authorization of the use of the drug exposes students to these risks and could even affect their ability to concentrate in class. Comment by Miranda: In-text citation Comment by Miranda: In-text citation

Moreover, the use of marijuana is often accompanied by the abuse of other drugs. Studies show that marijuana users are chronic alcoholics (Kerr et al. 1992-2001). In a study conducted at Oregon College, after the legalization of recreational marijuana, the use doubled, and the abuse of other drugs was also experienced. The study conducted included 110,924 undergraduate students who were either users or non-users. The study found out that heavy marijuana users were also alcohol users and that the legalization was among the significant factors which led to the increased use of the drug. The rates in the college increased more than the other states which show the change in policy about the drug was the crucial determinant of the use (Kerr et al. 1992-2001). This can be likened to the case of the legalization of recreational marijuana in Canada because most teens and youth have the same behavior and are expected to behave equally likely. It shows the abuse of the drug will increase as well as the inevitable abuse of other drugs such as alcohol and tobacco with its products in a short period. Comment by Miranda: In-text citaiton Comment by Miranda: In-text citation

Conclusion

The abuse of the substance is a very vital topic in the ensuring of growth and protection of the future of the youth and the country at large. Continued abuse of these substances has been tried, tested and proved to be harmful than helpful to most people. University students often lack the right guide in choosing between what is right and what is wrong. At times, more than just moral support is needed to ensure that they are safe and make sound decisions for their future. Despite the legalization, the government should put in measures to shield innocent people from this practice and ensure that lesser people are forced into the abuse of these substances. Actions such as banning of the use of the drug within school premises and playgrounds to shield the innocent bystanders who are at times lured to abusing of the substances.

In your thesis, you say that you would like to discuss how marijuana will affect students, and while you have started out on a strong note, your thesis gets lost in the second part of your essay (side effects)

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