Question

Twenty-three (24) states have made laws to allow medical marijuana usage and now more states (Colorado, New Jersey, Washington. Etc.) have legalized the recreational use of marijuana by adults. The legalization of Marijuana has been an ongoing debate in the United States. Many perspectives (some positive, some negative) have been presented in the press about the reasons for or against marijuana. The most pervasive argument against is that marijuana is a considered. Others concerns include potential drug addictions, increased crime rates, negative effects to the brain, etc... The American Psychological Association (APA) has posted a position paper titled, Medicine or Menace, which problematizes marijuana usage and legalization. For this weeks discussion, I want you to answer the following questions.

1. Should marijuana be legal or is its legalization a devastating mistake? Explain your stance with facts that are backed up by the book or other sources.

2. Do you think American culture is ready to effectively handle having marijuana legalization? Why or why not?

Answer 1

1. Should marijuana be legal or is its legalization a devastating mistake? Explain your stance with facts that are backed up by the book or other sources.

No, Marijuana must not be made legal, it will definitely be a devastating mistake for sure. The negative effects clearly outnumber the positive ones if any. We can’t deny the highly addictive quality of marijuana and making it easily and legally available will be like adding fire to fuel. The number of addicts may grow exponentially overnight and it may get harder to control the addiction itself. Also, Marijuana is found to be related in causing mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and psychoses. Another fact to be noted is that, marijuana is also called as gateway drug which means after hooking onto this drug, people may go on to higher lethal varieties of drugs like cocaine or heroine. Hence, it will be a mistake legalizing marijuana, as it will create a chain of other addictions and also create more problems, psychological and physical.

2. Do you think American culture is ready to effectively handle having marijuana legalization? Why or why not?

No, I don’t think American culture is ready to effectively handle having marijuana legalization. Marijuana even if introduced as recreational drug, the term ‘recreation’ isn’t clearly defined for everyone. It can cause overuse and play havoc on families and also on the career and educational front of individuals. Americans are easily influenced by marketing and advertising strategies created by big corporations. If marijuana becomes legalized it may draw many big players (corporates) to the market thus leading to huge investments in marketing of the product and that can have a direct and adverse impact on youngsters and older adults as well.