Question

•What are your thoughts on legalization of marijuana? Why or why not? •What are your thoughts on legalization of ALL drugs? Why or why not? •As someone with a child with a medical condition that can be successfully treated with marijuana, I am frequently asked if that has changed my views on legalization. Do YOU think your thoughts would change if marijuana or another illegal substance was found to successfully treat your condition or the condition of a loved one? Do you set limits on how severe the condition would need to be? Only for some conditions or all? (hint: marijuana for example has been shown successful for increasing appetite and nausea reduction for AIDS and cancer suffers, reducing eye pain from the pressure of glaucoma, and seizure reduction for epileptics. Are all equally as important in your eyes? •Has the “War on Drugs” been successful in your view? Why or why not? •Should we continue incarcerating individuals for drug use? If not, what should be done as an alternative? If yes, why do you think we should continue this practice? •Have your opinions changed since the beginning of this course? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug, which means it is capable of altering brain function. This leads to changes in perception, behavior, and mood. Marijuana may be used for medical or recreational purposes. Some drugs are safe if consumed in small amounts for the intended purpose. So if marijuana was a safe drug to use, why would it be banned in most countries? When drugs are misused, they have serious consequences on a person’s health. Substance abuse has become a common problem among the youth all over the world. Drug overdose has a huge impact on the psychological development of humans, especially when consumed at a young age. I do understand marijuana has medicinal benefits, but negligent use of such an intense drug affects life on a large scale. Use of drugs for medical purposes is legal in many countries. The quantity of the drug to be consumed is prescribed by a doctor based on the condition of the patient, and the drug consumption is administered accordingly. So, yes, if marijuana or any other drug can successfully treat a medical condition, it should not be denied to a patient. On the other hand, drug consumption for recreational purposes should be carefully monitored in order to reduce the cases of drug addiction. I believe the “War on Drugs” is a war on the misuse of drugs. Individuals are incarcerated only for illegal use and sale of drugs because, in this way, they are providing young people easy access to these harmful substances.

Drug use should never be endorsed as it is a threat to human life and development. Life is better when experiences are real rather than induced by substances.