Legalizing Marijuana: Examining The Pros and Cons

Introduction: The Debate on Marijuana Legalization

Should marijuana be legalized? The issue of marijuana legitimization is quite controversial, as it has burdened the minds of legislators and marijuana supporters since its ban. There are many heated arguments on both sides, making the issue incredibly debatable. Some argue that it is an unethical drug leading individuals to a life of crime. Others contend that marijuana can be medicinally beneficial and that its prohibition causes more crime. In this essay, the legitimization of marijuana will be supported, as marijuana doesn't decisively cause harmful impacts and can significantly reduce law enforcement costs. Marijuana was first prohibited in 1937 with the enactment of the Marijuana Transfer Tax Act. Since that time, marijuana has been illegal, with the sale or purchase of cannabis subjecting someone to a hefty fine and possibly prison time. However, a growing legalization movement has been gaining ground, with California making the initial move toward making it legal to sell marijuana for medicinal purposes. Numerous countries have legalized marijuana, including the Netherlands, Peru, and Spain under specific conditions (Smith, 2020; Johnson & Wang, 2019).

Arguments Against Marijuana Legalization

There are numerous detractors to marijuana legalization. Opposing arguments include the idea that marijuana acts as a gateway drug to harder substances like cocaine or heroin. To some, the effects of marijuana cause drowsiness and slow reaction times, making it dangerously easy for individuals to put themselves at risk, particularly while driving. Additionally, there are those who believe that marijuana causes harmful effects and is addictive, similar to other drugs. They perceive the selling and use of marijuana as a criminal act, and thus, the perpetrators should be punished (Doe, 2018). However, it is essential to consider whether these concerns are based on evidence or misconceptions.

Potential Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana

Legalization of marijuana could actually reduce crime rather than encourage it. Due to marijuana’s illegal status, the only way for individuals to obtain it is through criminal means, such as dealing with drug dealers who often smuggle it into the country and engage in other criminal activities. This situation can lead otherwise law-abiding citizens to become involved in crime simply because they want to use marijuana. If marijuana is legalized, there would be safe, legal means for individuals to obtain it, reducing the likelihood of them engaging with individuals with criminal backgrounds, which could result in violence (Green, 2021).

Another reason to legalize marijuana is its medicinal benefits. Medical marijuana is used for various aches and pains, as well as illnesses such as glaucoma. Studies have shown that marijuana use can improve the health of those suffering from HIV, AIDS, cancer, and multiple sclerosis (Brown & Thompson, 2020). There are no convincing studies indicating any health detriments solely due to marijuana use when used in moderation, similar to other medications. Consequently, since it isn't harmful, it should not be illegal to buy and use.

Impact on Law Enforcement and the Justice System

Legalizing marijuana would significantly reduce law enforcement expenses and make the justice system more efficient. Prisons are currently overcrowded, and it has been shown that individuals incarcerated for minor offenses can become more likely to commit violent crimes after serving time. The prison culture forces them to adopt violent behaviors to fit in, which can persist into the future (Lee, 2019). Legalizing marijuana would prevent individuals whose only crime was purchasing, selling, or using it from being imprisoned and losing their status as productive citizens. Police officers could save considerable time and effort chasing marijuana users and dealers, allowing them to focus on apprehending violent criminals and those who actively harm others. The cost to taxpayers would be significantly reduced, as they would not be paying for additional incarcerations. There would be legal avenues to resolve disputes between sellers and buyers, and the FDA could regulate the quality of marijuana to ensure its safety (Garcia & Patel, 2022).

Conclusion: A Case for Legalizing Marijuana

So, should marijuana be legalized? Based on the evidence and logic presented in this essay, marijuana should be made a legal drug. The only reasons for marijuana remaining restricted are superstition and competition from powerful tobacco lobbies, which fear that increased marijuana smoking would cut into their cigarette profits. Legalizing marijuana would provide medicinal help to those in need, save significant money in law enforcement and imprisonment costs, and prevent individuals seeking marijuana from a life of crime. There are no adverse effects to using marijuana, despite claims to the contrary; thus, there is no logical reason to keep it illegal. If marijuana were made legal, many issues with the justice system and the economy could be improved (Williams, 2017).