Why Marijuana Must Remain Illegalized

Marijuana, commonly referred to by various names such as “Nugs,” “Ganja,” and “African bush,” is derived from the Cannabis plant. It consists of dried flowering parts, including seeds, stems, and leaves. The primary psychoactive compound in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for its mind-altering effects. While some advocate for its legalization due to potential benefits, including pain relief and relaxation, the adverse effects and societal risks associated with marijuana use cannot be overlooked. This essay discusses the reasons why marijuana must remain illegal in the United States.

Societal Risks and Public Safety Concerns

The United States classifies marijuana as a Schedule I Controlled Substance, indicating its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. Advocates for legalization often prioritize personal benefits, neglecting the broader implications of increased drug use, addiction rates, and public safety concerns. Legalizing marijuana could lead to a surge in users and exacerbate existing issues related to substance abuse, including cognitive and physical impairments that can jeopardize community safety.

As a Pharmacy Major, I recognize the importance of understanding substances like marijuana. My research and analysis lead me to firmly believe that marijuana should not be legalized and should retain its Schedule I classification. The adolescent brain is still developing, and marijuana use can disrupt its reward system, potentially leading to experimentation with other, more dangerous drugs like cocaine and heroin. This phenomenon positions marijuana as a gateway drug, increasing the likelihood of individuals seeking out additional narcotics.

The Impact of Legalization on Youth

Legalizing marijuana may give individuals the impression that it is safe to use at any time, leading to increased recreational use. Young people, in particular, may underestimate the risks associated with marijuana consumption, which can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug. The following list outlines some of the negative consequences associated with marijuana use among youth:

• Increased likelihood of substance abuse and addiction
• Decline in academic performance and higher dropout rates
• Impaired cognitive function and memory
• Heightened risk of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression

Studies indicate that marijuana use can significantly impair educational outcomes, leading to decreased performance in school and a lack of motivation to pursue higher education. The potential increase in drug users and addicts poses a substantial threat to society, reinforcing the need for marijuana to remain illegal.

Cognitive and Physical Impairments

Marijuana contains over 60 chemicals known as cannabinoids, which can lead to cognitive and physical impairments. Various methods of consumption—such as smoking, edibles, and oils—allow THC to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain within minutes. In my Drugs and Behavior class, we discussed numerous studies demonstrating that THC exposure can result in significant brain complications. Users may experience difficulties with motor coordination, judgment, learning, and memory due to the disruption of natural brain chemicals, leading to an imbalance in the Endocannabinoid System.

For instance, driving under the influence of marijuana can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Marijuana can impair critical abilities and reflexes, increasing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the road. Research from New Zealand found that consistent marijuana use during adolescence resulted in an average IQ loss of 6-8 points by adulthood, highlighting the detrimental effects on cognitive development.

The Long-Term Consequences of Marijuana Use

The most pronounced effects of marijuana use are seen in young people, whose brains are still developing. Continued marijuana consumption can hinder the growth of neurological connections essential for functioning in adulthood. Psychiatrists warn that long-term cognitive consequences may be irreversible, further emphasizing the need to keep marijuana illegal.

Cannabinoids in marijuana can disrupt the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and neurotransmitter systems. Regular users may find themselves experiencing depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, or even psychosis, often resorting to marijuana as a means of self-medication. This cycle can lead to increased exposure to the drug, resulting in damage to both the lungs and heart.

Health Risks Associated with Marijuana Use

Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association highlights severe cardiovascular disorders linked to marijuana use. An animal study showed that cannabinoids could elevate heart rates and damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of clogged arteries. For example, a one-minute inhalation of marijuana significantly impaired the ability of rat arteries to carry blood effectively for up to 90 minutes, illustrating the immediate and detrimental effects of marijuana on cardiovascular health.

Given the substantial consequences of marijuana on both mental and physical health, it is clear that allowing greater access to the drug poses significant risks. The potential for cognitive changes, lung damage, and increased addiction rates underscores the need for marijuana to remain illegal.

Medical Marijuana: A Double-Edged Sword

While medical marijuana has been touted for its potential benefits in treating chronic pain and other medical conditions, its safety remains unproven. The FDA has not approved marijuana due to insufficient scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. Although some healthcare providers may prescribe medical marijuana, the lack of FDA approval raises concerns about the reliability and safety of the drug.

In conclusion, marijuana, classified as a depressant and Schedule I drug, should remain illegal due to its long-term psychological and physical consequences, the risk of increased drug addiction, and public safety concerns. Although medical marijuana can provide relief for some, the potential for misuse and the lack of regulatory oversight necessitate its continued prohibition. The negative impact of marijuana on society far outweighs any perceived benefits, making it imperative for the United States to maintain its illegal status.

References:

• “How Does Marijuana Use Affect School, Work, and Social Life?” 2018.
• Walia, A. (2017). Journal of the American Heart Association.
• Thompson, J. (2016). CBS News.
• Grinspoon, P. (2018). Harvard Medical Publications.
• “What's Wrong With ‘Medical Marijuana’?” 2014.