Marijuana and The Arguments for Its Legalization

Marijuana and The Arguments for Its Legalization

In the United States, alcohol-related causes result in approximately 100,000 deaths each year. The leading contributors to these fatalities include drinking and driving, accidents, falls, fires, and alcohol-related homicides and suicides. In contrast, prescription painkillers lead to thousands of overdoses annually, culminating in numerous deaths. Notably, no one has ever died from a marijuana overdose, nor has anyone succumbed simply from consuming too much marijuana. Research indicates that it is virtually impossible to fatally overdose on marijuana; however, indirect deaths related to its use may occur. This essay argues for the legalization of marijuana due to its potential for recreational and medicinal use, economic benefits through taxation, and its relative safety compared to other substances.

Reducing Crime Rates Through Legalization

One of the primary reasons for legalizing marijuana is its potential to reduce crime rates. As Tardiff suggests, “if marijuana were legalized, it would become less interesting and the crime rate would decrease.” This implies that legalization would strip the drug of its “forbidden” allure, making it less appealing for those seeking rebellious thrills. Critics often argue that legalization might actually increase crime rates; however, the opposite is more likely. When marijuana is legalized, fewer individuals face arrest for possession, leading to a decrease in overall drug-related arrests.

To illustrate this point, consider the statistics from 2017, when there were 1,632,921 arrests in the U.S. for drug law violations. Of these, 1,394,514 (85.4%) were for possession. Specifically, 659,700 arrests were for marijuana law violations, with 599,282 (90.8%) of those being for possession. Legalizing marijuana would dramatically reduce these numbers, freeing up law enforcement resources to focus on more serious crimes.

Economic Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana

Legalizing marijuana could significantly boost the economy through taxation. States that have legalized marijuana, like California, have seen substantial financial benefits. In 2002, California faced a $17.5 billion deficit, which prompted the state to legalize medical marijuana, eventually leading to its recreational use. By allowing marijuana sales, California generated revenue ranging from $317 million to $2.1 billion per month.

Taxing marijuana could alleviate the tax burden on citizens while simultaneously increasing state revenue. As Noel states, “by legalizing marijuana, the government could capitalize on the high demand for the product.” This tax revenue could be utilized for public services, education, and infrastructure, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

Medical Uses of Marijuana

The medicinal benefits of marijuana are compelling reasons for its legalization. As noted by Tardiff, “medical marijuana helps ease pain, aids in sleep, and increases appetite.” These effects are particularly beneficial for cancer patients, who often endure severe pain and loss of appetite during treatments like chemotherapy. Compared to many prescription painkillers, marijuana is less addictive and acts more quickly, reducing the risk of dependency and adverse side effects.

Moreover, marijuana can alleviate nausea and dizziness often experienced by patients undergoing HIV and AIDS treatments. Research supports the idea that marijuana can effectively manage neuropathic pain, which many conventional painkillers cannot address without risking addiction. Legalizing medical marijuana would not only help patients manage their symptoms but also encourage further research into its therapeutic properties.

While some raise concerns about the risks of smoking marijuana, various consumption methods exist that mitigate these risks. Edibles—such as candies, cookies, and oils—allow patients to benefit from marijuana without the harmful effects of smoking. This versatility in consumption can help patients avoid potential lung cancer while still receiving the therapeutic effects of cannabis.

Safety Compared to Other Substances

Marijuana is statistically safer and less addictive than many other drugs. In the past year, thousands have died from overdoses related to substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and alcohol, while marijuana has not been directly linked to any fatalities. Legalization would enable the establishment of regulated dispensaries, ensuring that consumers receive a safe product free from dangerous additives often found in illicit drugs.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that marijuana cannot cause a “physical” overdose, unlike many other substances. Users may experience heightened sensations or euphoria, but they do not face the same risks of seizures or poisoning associated with drugs like alcohol or opioids. Additionally, marijuana’s two primary compounds, THC and CBD, serve different purposes in medical treatment. THC produces psychoactive effects, while CBD has gained attention for its therapeutic benefits without inducing a high, making it suitable for various medical applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the legalization of marijuana is justified on several fronts: it has the potential to reduce crime rates, stimulate economic growth through taxation, provide numerous medical benefits, and offer a safer alternative to many currently legal substances. The misconception that marijuana is one of the most dangerous drugs overlooks its relative safety and therapeutic potential. With the evidence presented, it is clear that marijuana should be legalized across all fifty states to harness its benefits for society.

References:

• Tardiff, J. (Year). Title of the source.
• Noel, A. (Year). Title of the source.
• California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. (Year). Title of the source.