The Legalization of Marijuana
The legalization of marijuana has been and continues to be a hot topic in recent years. This is a very controversial topic because many believe that this is just a harmful substance with no benefits. However, there are many people, including scientist that believe that the drug can provide many medical benefits along with economic benefits. The legalization of marijuana in the United States would have economic and societal benefits that far outweigh the harmfulness of the drug.
Marijuana is a very dangerous substance. If abused, it kills thousands every year. Marijuana is the most common drug used in the world because it is cheap and easy to get (Smith). The legalization leads to an increased use by teenagers (ProCon). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, side effects of teen marijuana use include "impaired short-term memory and decreased concentration, attention span, and problem solving, which clearly interfere with learning (ProCon). Marijuana is seen as a gateway drug that will lead teenagers to try more serious drugs like cocaine (NIDA). All these facts show that making marijuana legal doesn’t do any …show more content…
Not only are there are medical benefits to people with certain illnesses but legalizing marijuana is proven to boost the economy in states that have already approved it. According to the ProCon website, recreational pot sales helped boost the Colorado economy by 7.2 billion dollars in 2016 (ProCon). The money brought in due to the taxes applied in marijuana dispensaries, help build schools, support police and drug treatment centers. There is also research that shows that states that have already legalized the use of recreational marijuana haven’t seen an increase of drug use among teens (ProCon). “In a study conducted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) teen use of marijuana decreased by seventeen percent from 2002 to 2014 in kids 12 to 17”
The legalization of marijuana has been and continues to be a hot topic in recent years. This is a very controversial topic because many believe that this is just a harmful substance with no benefits. However, there are many people, including scientist that believe that the drug can provide many medical benefits along with economic benefits. The legalization of marijuana in the United States would have economic and societal benefits that far outweigh the harmfulness of the drug.
Marijuana is a very dangerous substance. If abused, it kills thousands every year. Marijuana is the most common drug used in the world because it is cheap and easy to get (Smith). The legalization leads to an increased use by teenagers (ProCon). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, side effects of teen marijuana use include "impaired short-term memory and decreased concentration, attention span, and problem solving, which clearly interfere with learning (ProCon). Marijuana is seen as a gateway drug that will lead teenagers to try more serious drugs like cocaine (NIDA). All these facts show that making marijuana legal doesn’t do any …show more content…
Not only are there are medical benefits to people with certain illnesses but legalizing marijuana is proven to boost the economy in states that have already approved it. According to the ProCon website, recreational pot sales helped boost the Colorado economy by 7.2 billion dollars in 2016 (ProCon). The money brought in due to the taxes applied in marijuana dispensaries, help build schools, support police and drug treatment centers. There is also research that shows that states that have already legalized the use of recreational marijuana haven’t seen an increase of drug use among teens (ProCon). “In a study conducted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) teen use of marijuana decreased by seventeen percent from 2002 to 2014 in kids 12 to 17”