Question

Some states have legalized marijuana, either for recreation or for medicinal reasons. Currently, there was a push for medicinal legalization in Texas, but it seem to stall. What is your opinion, should marijuana be legal for recreational, medical, or keep it illegal for any reason.

Answer 1

California had legalized the sale of recreational marijuana On January 1, 2018, that makes it the latest state to do so. The federal government classifies marijuana as a “Schedule I controlled substance,” even though it is legal in 29 states and the District of Columbia for recreational or medicinal use. The advocates of legalizing marijuana argue that it reduce the proliferation of the sale of cannabis on the black market and reduce the number of people in jail for “victimless crime”.

The proponents of keeping marijuana illegal on the federal level emphasize it is an issue of public safety and the legalization will lead to more motor vehicle accidents and more crime in general. They also consider marijuana as a “gateway” drug that may lead to addiction to more lethal substances like heroin.

In my opinion, the use of marijuana should be illegal for several reasons.

The reasons to keep marijuana illegal:

1. Irrelevant clinical data

There have not been enough clinical trial son the use of marijuana. The effectiveness of medicinal use is not proven. The limited literature suggests the adverse effects outweighs the advantages.

2. Lack of policies on marijuana use

There are no well-developed policies on the use of schedule 1 drugs like marijuana.

3. Economic impact

The widespread use of marijuana may lead to the sale in black markets. The impact of farming marijuana causes the increased demands of electricity and environmental changes could be enormous.

4. An individual difference in addiction

For some people, it is extremely addictive.

5. Marijuana may hinder mental health

Marijuana may even affect the IQ and brain function.

6. Marijuana terribly affects the physical health

Marijuana may increase the extent of some diseases like pneumonia and it may affect the spreading of communicable diseases and STDs.

7. Effect on socialization

The people who use marijuana initially may be socially active but the overuse or abuse will affect it negatively.

The adverse effects of marijuana on the physical and mental health of people support the advocates of not legalizing marijuana for any purpose.