Informal Logic

Marijuana, also known as Cannabis is a plant that is used as a psychoactive drug. The plant can also be used for medicinal purposes. Marijuana has been classified as Schedule 1 drug under the Control Substances Act of 1970. This federal law, that was passed to protect citizens from drugs and substance abuse, has been slighted in several ways. There are states where marijuana use for medicinal purposes is legal. Other states, additionally, are passing laws that legalize the use of marijuana, not only the medical use, but also for recreational purposes. Legalizing marijuana has both pros and cons.

Among the pros of legalizing marijuana include, revenue boost. The sales made from the drug are a worthy source of revenue. Following legalization of marijuana, there will be new taxes that will be applied on the sales and distribution of the drug. These taxes will increase the state income to empower it carter to roads and parks.

Another advantage of legalizing marijuana is by decriminalizing marijuana, law enforcement officers will focus on other crimes instead of the abuse of the drug. This will see a more effective law enforcement system and additionally create room in the criminal justice system to allow the deal with more cases. This will also free some space in the nearly jam-packed prisons.

The medical community argues that marijuana can be used as treatment for numerous health conditions including epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, and post-traumatic stress among others. Several states have already put the use of the drug for medical purposes in action. Legalizing marijuana will see more people use the drug, which apparently vary in the health conditions it serves.

Among the cons of using marijuana is that the drug is addictive. Specialist have argued that the extensive abuse of the drug might lead to addiction. They have proved that an average 10% of the people who use the drug for long times develop dependence. They also argue that the money collected from the sales of the drug will be used for treating marijuana addicts instead of developing the state.

Another disadvantage of legalizing marijuana is that there will be an increase in car accidents. This is due to the altered perception effect caused by the drug. The drug, when used, alters the ways in which the body works. Study shows that most fatally injured drivers were found with marijuana.

Marijuana has an extensive effect on different health conditions. From brain health, heart health to lung health, marijuana has been associated with several illnesses. The fact that marijuana raises the heart rate by 80%, has been the leading cause of arrhythmias, heart attack and other heart disorders. Marijuana is also linked to mental illness and lung cancer due to the presence of carcinogens and other cancer-causing chemicals.

Just like alcohol and cigarettes, legalizing marijuana means enforcing laws that will have age restrictions and additionally define to what extent the drug is to be consumed. It is a move that have proved to have its advantages but the judicial system, law enforcements officers and specialists should join hands to ensure that the drug does not lead to addiction in the communities.

References

Caulkins, J. P., Hawken, A., Kilmer, B., & Kleiman, M. (2012). Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to KnowRG. Oxford University Press.

Farnsworth, D. L. (1971). Legalization of marijuana: pros and cons. The American journal of psychiatry, 128(2), 217-218.