Should Marijuana Be Legalized? Newer generations and particular members of the older generations have come to largely accept the usage of marijuana. While there are many different variations of this acceptance, many are in agreement. Some feel that only medicinal usage is appropriate, while others disagree and suggest that the recreational use of marijuana is equally appropriate. Marijuana is disputably natural and does not cause as much harm to the body as other substances such as cigarettes and alcohol, and therefore should be legalized. This appears to be one of the more prominent arguments for the legalization of marijuana, although it is prudent to recognize the other topics up for debate regarding legalization and in turn also be economically
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Studies have disproven the fact that marijuana inhibits violent behavior and found that in the long run, the chemicals in the drug actually alter the chemistry of the brain and consequently increasing violent tendencies (Stimson, 2013). This promotion of violence coincides with the “gate-way” argument, as well. Of those who use marijuana most likely began through association. Juveniles who are exposed to marijuana or even try some, are realistically not going to feel overwhelmingly compelled to try a vast amount of other drugs. Despite this, the involvement with the drug increases their chances of being exposed to harder drugs through socialization with anti-social personality types. Young children and teens are vulnerable to influence from peers. Taking peer pressure out of the equation, even through story telling about other drug-related experiences a juvenile’s curiosity is peaked and they could potentially become tempted to engage in further drug activity involving “harder” drugs. The argument is that the legalization of marijuana would downplay the consequences of the drug and not shed light on the potential effects including criminal and violent …show more content…
Among the 53% of individuals who feel that marijuana should be legalized, 41% state that potential medical treatment is the primary factor in the development of their opinion (Pew Research Center, 2015). Case studies that focus on the medicinal effects of marijuana are difficult to conduct; therefore there isn’t sufficient amount of evidence to back up this claim. In contrast, there are a significant amount of marijuana users who suggest that their usage is helpful in dealing with certain mental illnesses as well as physical injuries that inflict pain. Those who oppose legalization might argue that everyone could technically be prescribed medical marijuana under these terms, but if consuming marijuana – either through smoking, baked goods, oils, or a variety of other ways – helps individuals cope with the issues that prevent them from living their day to day life, the question becomes: why
Studies have disproven the fact that marijuana inhibits violent behavior and found that in the long run, the chemicals in the drug actually alter the chemistry of the brain and consequently increasing violent tendencies (Stimson, 2013). This promotion of violence coincides with the “gate-way” argument, as well. Of those who use marijuana most likely began through association. Juveniles who are exposed to marijuana or even try some, are realistically not going to feel overwhelmingly compelled to try a vast amount of other drugs. Despite this, the involvement with the drug increases their chances of being exposed to harder drugs through socialization with anti-social personality types. Young children and teens are vulnerable to influence from peers. Taking peer pressure out of the equation, even through story telling about other drug-related experiences a juvenile’s curiosity is peaked and they could potentially become tempted to engage in further drug activity involving “harder” drugs. The argument is that the legalization of marijuana would downplay the consequences of the drug and not shed light on the potential effects including criminal and violent …show more content…
Among the 53% of individuals who feel that marijuana should be legalized, 41% state that potential medical treatment is the primary factor in the development of their opinion (Pew Research Center, 2015). Case studies that focus on the medicinal effects of marijuana are difficult to conduct; therefore there isn’t sufficient amount of evidence to back up this claim. In contrast, there are a significant amount of marijuana users who suggest that their usage is helpful in dealing with certain mental illnesses as well as physical injuries that inflict pain. Those who oppose legalization might argue that everyone could technically be prescribed medical marijuana under these terms, but if consuming marijuana – either through smoking, baked goods, oils, or a variety of other ways – helps individuals cope with the issues that prevent them from living their day to day life, the question becomes: why