Category: Cannabis/Medical Marijuana

This paper examines case study from the Kurzen Text Box 10-3 pg. 218-219. In this paper I will chose 1 out of 3 case studies and discuss questions associated with the case study from chapter 10 discussion. Which pertains to Medical Marijuana and its effects on health and society as well as the ethical dilemma and health care laws associated with the use of medical marijuana. I will also relate my personal code of ethics statement to the ethical dilemma in the case study.

Medical Marijuana

Is it safe to venture into the unknown? Or is the unknown our Knight in shining armor ready to save the day? Medical marijuana has become a globalized discussion that has initiated many debates. In case study 2 we learned about Toby a woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Due to her chemotherapy, she experiences nausea and vomiting, which lead her to try many clinical drugs, acupuncture, massages, diets, and assorted teas. After losing 20 pounds she decided to try medical marijuana. There are many ethical dilemmas and health laws associated with this discussion.

The Unknown

All states should legalize marijuana for medical purposes only and even then, there should be certain severe cases that determine if a person is eligible for medical marijuana. Accessibility to medical marijuana increases accessibility for nonmedical abuse. New research suggests that marijuana users may be more likely than nonusers to misuse prescription opioids and develop prescription opioid use disorder (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2017). The composition of medical marijuana pharmaceutically is not consistent. Due to the various unknown chemicals that are in the marijuana plant, it is hard to develop a product and determine certain doses. Smoking marijuana has the same risks as smoking cigarettes. Smoke is harmful to lung health. Whether from burning wood, tobacco or marijuana, toxins and carcinogens are released from the combustion of materials. Smoke from marijuana combustion has been shown to contain many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke (‘Marijuana and Lung Health’, 2017). There is a pharmaceutical preparation that is equally effective in controlling nausea called Marinol. For me to change my position on this topic it would take a significant amount of abuse of medical marijuana and the misuse of the drug. If the drug is used in the right manner it could be an important game-changer in the medical field.

Dilemma vs Law

Many people who chose the medical marijuana route often at times feel ashamed or embarrassed because of society’s view on medical marijuana. Oppositions occur due to various things like laws, personal values, moral principles, etc. Some medical professionals have many encounters with patients who would like to use medical marijuana. This might not necessarily align with their principles, so they end up with an ethical dilemma. All healthcare personals are recurred to treat and provided the same care to all patients regardless of beliefs or standards. The AMA ethics guidelines require healthcare professionals to continue care of the patient and not abandon. Therefore if a person has no training in medical marijuana they should refer patients to knowledgeable places. Otherwise, the patient will be considered abandoned.

Guidelines

If you are faced with an ethical dilemma concerning medical marijuana following guidelines is the best thing to do. The first thing to do would be to gather all the facts about medical marijuana. To ensure all the information you have are accurate and also ask yourself if it is right or wrong or if it is just a personal preference. Secondly, what manner will everyone in this situation act? This should further help you decide what to do in this type of difficult situation. If your dilemma is still not solved or still causing you discomfort. You can thirdly, speak with a supervisor or someone in higher authority. This can help with gaining new information to widen your beliefs or what you think of medical marijuana. Another great thing to do is join institutional committees who specialize in that specific area.

Separation of ethics and belief

In conclusion, studies have shown the effectiveness of medical marijuana if it is used for the rightful purpose. Which makes medical marijuana among most of the ethical dilemmas’ healthcare providers face, but it is important to consider the facts and not simply rely on personal beliefs when come to giving patients the upmost care and treatment they need for a pleasant healthcare experience.

Decisions taken on drugs in international fora such as the United Commission Nations on Drugs (CND) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) must be recognized as a worldwide reference. Because it is only by reinforcing and recognizing the decisions of these institutions that we can hope to see a better world of drugs in the future. Yet, countries one after another easier to make or break their laws on marijuana Control of the material quality, economy, and reduce wrongdoing are the more important reason which the government would like to legalization marijuana. However, increase the risk of addiction and human health are major reasons that people disagree with legalization.

First, the quality control of the drugs used is very important that enhances consumer safety. Marijuana product testing is becoming a standard in the legal marijuana marketplaces. It means shoppers are better informed about the marijuana they custom. Consumers can get enough information about the type of drugs and how marijuana is produced, how much they should use, and more. In addition, consumers can awareness about the power and dose of an edible product, especially if they are a novice consumer. Since the effects of consuming some of the chemicals used in marijuana, especially in the immune system, are significant, they can be minimized by legalizing and controlling the quality of the product. This is specifically vital for edible drugs that can contain widely varying doses of cannabis. For example, there are some fake drugs like Synthetic Marijuana on the bazaar that are chemicals and scattered on shredded, dried plant material so people can be smoked. Terrence believes” In fact, they are not safe and may affect the brain much more powerfully than marijuana; their actual effects can be unpredictable and, in some cases, more dangerous or even life-threatening.” Synthetic Marijuana is mostly sold in states where marijuana is illegal. In conclusion, marijuana legalization can help the government to control and inspection of drug material and prevent the distribution of fraudulent or inferior materials in society.

Second, marijuana legalization can help economy. More than 10 percent of Canadians and Americans consume marijuana. In fact, North America has the highest marijuana consumption rate in the world. This has also caused any change in marijuana production and consumption laws to have a direct economic impact on its legal and illegal trade. Marijuana ban costs billions of dollars annually. According to a 2013 report by the American Civil Liberties Union, hundreds of thousands of people are arrested and jailed for marijuana each year. The benefit of legalization is that it allows the government to apply it to new schemes (including providing rehabilitation services to drug users) by obtaining income tax from marijuana providers. In 2010, the Cato Institute released a paper showing that legalizing marijuana could generate $ 17.4 billion in net government profits annually, half of which came from lowering drug spending, and the other half it will be from tax. For example, TED Bank said in its latest report on the economic impact of legalizing marijuana in Canada, it says 8 billion dollars has been added to the Canadian economy. They believe the industry will be more profitable in the near future. Shubnell says ‘While the marijuana industry’s economic effect may not be tangibly felt for a while, its acceptance has reaped emotional benefits for some.’ As a result, legalizing marijuana can help the economy by reducing police officers and the costs of arresting and keeping drug dealers in jail. It also increases government revenue by obtaining taxes and customs duties.

Third, one of the good result of marijuana legalization is reducing crime in society. The legality of recreational use of marijuana appears to lead to fewer arrests in connection with marijuana and court cases. Whether looking at arrests or court cases for storage or distribution, marijuana crimes appear to have diminished. In addition, the legality of recreational use of marijuana appears to lead to fewer arrests in connection with marijuana and court cases. Whether looking at arrests or court cases for storage or distribution, marijuana crimes appear to have diminished. Some recent researches show that legalization reduces crime and violence because, with the legalization of the sale of marijuana, the dangerous trafficking mafia is much less. Drug mafias always have clashed with each other and kill each other easily. For many smugglers, the lives of retailers and consumers are irrelevant. They are always thinking about their own interests and more profits. There is a lot of news about the clashes between the police and the smugglers at the borders, which killed both sides. With the legalization of marijuana and the creation of import and export channels, these crimes can be significantly reduced and managed. Maier believes” Violence can occur within the drug market and victims include sellers and users (i.e., fights between dealers, disputes when buyers do not pay, retaliation when buyers are dissatisfied with the quality of the purchase, robbery of dealer or user who has drugs or cash).” For example, El Chapo was for many years the leader of the Mexican Sinaloa criminal organization, which was blamed for killing thousands during wars between the country’s smuggling gangs. As a result, by legalizing marijuana sales, the black market can be eliminated, preventing drug traffickers and warring between them and minimizing drug crimes.

Furthermore, increase the risk of addiction is a major problems that some people are not agree with legalization of marijuana. These people believe that if marijuana is legalized, more people will use it and make it more accessible to the public. People can easily procure and consume marijuana anytime they want and easily become addicted to it. In fact, the proponents of marijuana legalization are worried that if the government legalizes marijuana, people would no longer pay attention to the harmful aspects of its use, and with the assumption that if it were harmful, the government would make it illegal, so they will not care about the negative aspects such as addiction and they use it. The answer to those who disagree is that addiction is a mental problem. Drug addiction has nothing to do with legalization or illegalization. Based on historical, medical, and social realities (see numerous studies on the effects of marijuana consumption), the belief is that there are some people who always interested in drugs. But that desire will not go away with war and retribution. Adam believes “One of my main goals has been to provide the knowledge that will enable us to treat drug addiction as a disease of the brain and to provide the tools that will allow you to be more effective in treating it, but also in preventing it.” In conclusion, marijuana legalization doesn’t increase risk of addiction because addiction is a mental problem and related to people’s characters. Illegalization can only delay or even make the process of addiction more difficult, but not prevent it.

In Addition, opponents of the legalization of marijuana believe that it is harmful to the health of the body. They believe that marijuana consumption can cause serious psychological and physical harm to humans. According to them, with the legalization of marijuana, the level of young people’s access to the drug will be increased, and the proportion of illness and mental health problems in society will be increased too. Thus, the health of the community will be facing serious risks. In response to this group, it can be said, that it is true that any drugs can cause disease in humans, but marijuana is one of the least harmful drugs. For example, studies have found that almost every fifteen or twenty people who use cannabis, has one addict, which is far lower than alcohol and cigarettes. According to the above paragraph, people’s tendency to use drugs is rooted in their personality and psychological problems, not related to their access to drugs, and since the marijuana is the least risky (even some belief the benefits of marijuana it can be usefully controlled for specific patients such as sleep disorders, anorexia, and very frightening mental illnesses and Parkinson’s), marijuana can control or eliminate the tendency of this group of people to use more dangerous drugs such as heroin, crack, etc. Friese believes” Some teens considered marijuana safer than other drugs, including alcohol. One male youth explained: ‘Marijuana isn’t too, too harmful. They say it’s a gateway drug, but I don’t believe it’s a gateway drug if you have the right mindset. I would not do any other drugs.” In sum, marijuana is less dangerous than other drugs and is even useful for some physical and mental illnesses. Marijuana legalization can help people who have a strong desire to use drugs to avoid more dangerous drugs. In addition, research by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States has shown that legalizing marijuana reduces deaths from opioid use, such as fentanyl, by at least 20 percent.

In conclusion, marijuana legalization can assure the quality of consumer drugs in the market, boosting economic growth and reducing crime. Marijuana legalization also reduced the risk of a dangerous drug and control addiction in the community. It should be noted, using drugs is always harmful. One of the problems for the government has been the fight against drugs. Since the fight against drugs has never worked, it is the best way to raise the awareness of teenagers and young people. Instead of spending a lot of money, the government can reduce the cost of drugging with appropriate training in society.

References

1. Bettina Friese. “Is Marijuana Even a Drug?’ A Qualitative Study of How Teens View Marijuana Use and Why They Use It.” Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. Jul/Aug2017, http://ezproxy.fhda.edu:2095/ehost/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=0d3bd9ca-c2ba-413b-9beb-177775676497%40sessionmgr4006&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=124538584&db=a9h
2. Evans, Sage F, Gray, Terrence L.” Synthetic Drugs: Scope and Trends in Synthetic Cannabinoids and Stimulants.” Hauppauge, N.Y.: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. 2012 https://caccldeanza.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?vid=01CACCL_DEANZA:DEANZA&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&tab=Everything&docid=alma991000841625005309&lang=en&context=L&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&query=any,contains,SYNTHETIC%20MARIJUANA
3. Jason Shubnell,” Marijuana Economy Has Plenty Of Room To Grow”, Benzinga.com, March 18, 2014. https://caccl- deanza.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=bcrc361957783&context=PC&vid=01CACC L_DEANZA:DEANZA&lang=en&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI&adaptor=Primo%20Central&tab=Everythin g&query=any,contains,MARIJUANA%20and%20economy&offset=0
4. Maier, Shana L, Mannes, Suzanne, Koppehofer, Emily L” The Implications of Marijuana Decriminalization and Legalization on Crime in the United States” Contemporary Drug Problems; London Jun 2017. https://ezproxy.fhda.edu:2187/docview/1915044812?rfr_id=info%3Axri%2Fsid%3Aprimo
5. Piore, Adam. “This Is Your Brain on Drugs.” Discover. Dec2014, Vol. 35 Issue 10, p56-60.http://ezproxy.fhda.edu:2054/ehost/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=4dab6f41-8c2c-4f38-81f5- 24885e3fbf3b%40sessionmgr103&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=99424512&db=a9h

Understanding Substance Abuse and Addiction

There is an increasing evidence that legalization of illicit drugs is essential to lessen the danger of substance abuse. Substance abuse is a mental health disorder that includes physical, mental and spiritual problem or worse could also lead to death if left untreated. There are several state or conditions an individual could experience while taking drugs such as addiction, dependence, tolerance and withdrawal. The term addiction is complex, and the meaning can vary according to different individuals. Addiction is not an act of immorality rather an illness. Dependence is the use of drugs more frequently while it is hard to halt the usage when withdrawal is apparent. Tolerance is a state where a person needs larger dose of the drugs to get the intended effect. A person who abruptly stop taking drugs may show physical and psychological symptom such as cravings, tremors, diarrhea and irritability or in acute cases respiratory depression (Hart, et al., 2019). It is important to educate not just the society as well as the law maker or prosecutors about why addiction and substance abuse exist. This literature review will present various opinions and approaches in understanding why people are in or not favour of decriminalization or legalization of illegal drugs as well as a few positive and possible consequences. Decriminalization means there is no criminal liability and penalty to individual who will possess a small number of controlled drugs (Jesseman; Payer., 2018). It may sound like a threat to public safety and drug policy or worse an opportunity to future generation to try such drugs if there is no education provided to the public on how decriminalization works. Despite the circumstances, decriminalization nor legalization is the only solution we could get to address other drug related problems.

Decriminalization: A Potential Solution?

The reasons and concerns on both side of the arguments are critical and carefully analyses the impact to society, health and the sectors of criminal justice. Several evidences show as to why decriminalization is an option. First, it eliminates arrest and penalties for simple possession of drugs. It also saves judicial, prosecutorial, and incarceration expenses because the government are spending thousands of dollars each year by housing and feeding those who are in federal prison. Police diversion is an example approach that offers alternative options such as informal warnings, to attend an education course or referrals for treatment instead of prison. The United Kingdom uses this approach called Drugs Education Programme, the program accepts individuals with existing criminal records and can only attend once. Their charges will be dropped if the course is finished. “A pilot evaluation of the program indicated high rates of program uptake and an 80% completion rate among those offered participation” (Luckwell, 2017). “DEP partners also reported improved relationships among police, people who use drugs and community service agencies. However, the evaluation found some officers hesitated to apply the DEP to individuals using heroin or crack who are in fact program targets for the greatest impact in reducing criminal activity. It also found discrepancies in determining quantities for personal use versus intent to traffic” (Luckwell, 2017).

Economic and Societal Impacts of Decriminalization

Police diversion program is also available in Australia which applicable to an individual who possess cannabis and illegal drugs. This diversion offers therapeutic assessment, education, treatments and penalties. “The Council of Australian Government-Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative, announced in 1999, supported evaluations of program development. This initiative provided a national framework, best practices to guide program development and federal funding for the expansion of treatment services” (Hughes & Ritter, 2008).

Programs and Initiatives to Combat Drug Abuse

Second, it allows taxation of sale and production of drugs by billions of dollars annually. This evidence listed above are for economic benefits that will surely help government financially. Lastly, decriminalization was proposed to lessen the harm related to substance abuse and recognizing this approach in a variety of policies and practices. There are several supported programs that can reduce harms amongst group of individuals as follows:

1. “Supervised consumption site it provides a location where people can use drugs in a clean environment under the supervision of health professionals trained to provide emergency intervention. Attendees at legally sanctioned sites are not prosecuted for possessing or using a controlled substance within or in the immediate vicinity of the facility” (Jesseman; Payer, 2018. p. 4)

2. Another program is drug checking services which has a legal condition comparable to “supervised consumption site. According to recent evidence summaries suggest those who use drug checking services find them useful and that they can:

• Influence drug use risk behaviours (discarding drugs after unfavourable results, reducing the dose, using with others);
• Provide opportunities for brief intervention, education and referral to services; Help monitor the local drug supply and inform public health initiatives;
• Decrease the presence of contaminated drugs in the local market;
• and Be a key component of a comprehensive harm reduction strategy” (Leece, 2017; Kerr & Tupper, 2017; Brunt, 2017)

3. “Another one is the prescription maintenance program provide individuals with medically supervised access to controlled substances. Results associated with participation in these programs include increased treatment retention for individuals who have not remained in methadone maintenance programs; Decreased illicit opioid use; Improved social function (e.g., reduced illegal sources of income, increased family engagement, housing stability); Decreased involvement in criminal activity; and Increased frequency of adverse events (i.e., overdose) in comparison with methadone” (Ferri, Davoli, & Perucci, 2011; Strang, Groshkova, & Metrebian, 2012; Oviedo-Joekes, et al., 2016).

The proposed programs mentioned to lessen the problem are not enough reasons to decriminalize illegal drugs. Legalization will always come with a risk in health and threat to society. Decriminalization could lead to an increase drug users and deaths by overdosing without seeking proper treatment. The danger to youth while alcohol and marijuana are legal, could also give an opportunity to experiment and try illegal drugs. “People say to try legalizing illegal drugs for a while and see what the outcome will be. The problem of this statement is that the society is not a laboratory where you can experiment and produce irreversible outcome”. (Will, 2009). What the government must do is to establish and provide an intensive training to health care sectors from the community to provide education and information about substance abuse.

Personal Reflections on Drug Use and Society

I grew up in a community were illegal drugs are the only answer to poverty, an easy money what my friend used to say. My parents say that we should stay away from our friends who sell and used illegal drugs because this could ruin our future. Some of them who used illegal drugs say we shouldn’t try it because once you experience that kind of feeling as they say, it’s hard to stop. I asked one of my closest friends why is she using drugs. First, her parents are drug pushers too. Second, she can’t find jobs and needed the money. Lastly, even though she wants to stop, there’s a part of her doesn’t want to stop. She tried to go in a rehabilitation facility to seek treatment (more like a prison), after a year of being sober she went back on using again. The only advice she gave us is we should never try drugs no matter how hard life can be. I lost contact with her when my family migrated to the City, as my parents wants us to have a successful life. I studied nursing and finished with a bachelor’s degree. Now, my friend is a wife and a mother to two beautiful children. At the end, we are the one who holds our own future no matter how rough the road is. If you choose to stay in dark or search that little light of hope to pursue the purpose of life. I chose this topic because it is also the problem my country has been trying to eradicate for years and decriminalization or legalization was never an option. While reading and understanding some of the literature review about the positive outcomes of legalization it makes me want to change my perspective, the possibility and hope that it may end the war on drugs. However, I held into my past experienced with my friend while she did live in a dark past it never stops her from having a wonderful family and pursue her purpose in life. The power to overcome trials is within you.

Conclusion: The Need for Comprehensive Drug Policies

Overall, both side of the arguments are rational, even so it doesn’t mean legalization is the solution to illicit drug problem. What the society need is not just a solid law of enforcement against illegal drugs rather the solutions on how to implement and educate the importance of drug policies to the society. Action plans must be focused on harm reduction, effective treatment and prevention of drug dependency or overdose. It must as well be emphasized that drug dependency and abuse are mental health disorder just like any other disease. At the end, government and society must work together not to end illegal drugs rather on how to implement drug policies.

References

1. Hauge, R. (2003). Legalization of illicit drugs: Two sides to the coin. Addiction, 98(6), 717-178.
2. Jesseman, R., and Payer, R. (2018). Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Decriminalization: Options and Evidence. Retrieved from https://preventionconversation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ccsa-decriminalization-controlled-substances-policy-brief-2018-en.pdf
3. Brunt, T. (2017). Drug-checking/pill-testing as a harm reduction tool for recreational drug users: opportunities and challenges. Lisbon, Portugal: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
4. Kerr, T., & Tupper, K. (2017). Drug checking as a harm reduction intervention: evidence review report. Retrieved from www.bccsu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Drug-Checking-EvidenceReview-Report.pdf
5. Leece, P. (2017). Evidence brief: evidence on drug checking services as a harm reduction intervention. Toronto, Ont.: Public Health Ontario. Retrieved from www.publichealthontario.ca/en/eRepository/Evidence_Brief_Drug_Checking_2017.pdf.
6. Ferri, M., Davoli, M., & Perucci, C. A. (2011). Heroin maintenance for chronic heroin-dependent individuals. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12. Art. No.: CD003410. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003410.pub4
7. Strang, J., Groshkova, T., & Metrebian, N. (2012). New heroin-assisted treatment: recent evidence and current practices of supervised injectable heroin treatment in Europe and beyond. EMCDDA Insights, 11. Lisbon, Portugal: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Retrieved from www.emcdda.europa.eu/system/files/publications/690/Heroin_Insight_335259.pdf
8. Oviedo-Joekes, E., Guh, D., Brissette, S., Marchand, K., MacDonald, S., Lock, K., Harrison, S., . . . Schechter, M. T. (2016). Hydromorphone compared with diacetylmorphine for long-term opioid dependence: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 73(5), 447–455.
9. Will, G. (2012, April 4). Opinion: Would drug legalization do more harm than good? The Washington Post. Retrieved from www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/would-drug-legalization-do-more-harm-than-good/2012/04/04/gIQANg46vS_story.html
10. Hauge, R. (2003). Legalization of illicit drugs: Two sides to the coin. Addiction, 98(6), 717-178.
11. Way, A. (2014, December 30). Colorado and Marijuana Legalization One Year Later: What Has Changed? Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/art-way/colorado-and-marijuana-le_b_6397664.html
12. Hauge, R. (2003). Legalization of illicit drugs: Two sides to the coin. Addiction, 98(6), 717-178.
13. Way, A. (2014, December 30). Colorado and Marijuana Legalization One Year Later: What Has Changed? Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/art-way/colorado-and-marijuana-le_b_6397664.html
14. Hauge, R. (2003). Legalization of illicit drugs: Two sides to the coin. Addiction, 98(6), 717-178.
15. Way, A. (2014, December 30). Colorado and Marijuana Legalization One Year Later: What Has Changed? Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/art-way/colora

For centuries cannabis has been used as a medicine, a material to make rope with, and a recreational drug. In 2005, the U.S Supreme Court ruled in favor of criminalizing the growth, sale, possession, selling, and distribution of it. In The Great Gatsby, prohibition played a crucial role in U.S. socio-political culture. Today, the legalization of marijuana is a point of contention that has divided the country for the past century. Legalization on the federal level would bring many benefits to a country with soaring crime rates and crippling debt.

The American Dream grants the individual the ability to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Perhaps, this notion can be applied broadly, but in the case of marijuana, criminalization permits unwarranted government intrusion of the expression of said liberty and happiness. It is ironic that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol or tobacco which are both legal and heavily regulated within the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), but is still criminalized. Prescription drugs even kill 300k people a year and are not criminalized. Thus, there is no reason why marijuana should not be legal. Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., or better known as Snoop Dogg has advocated for marijuana since the 1980s, exposing the severity of aging defects as a result of alcohol abuse as opposed to marijuana. Why would you want to look 10 years younger than you are?

Criminalization places a burden on the criminal justice system. “In 2018, it accounted for 3.3% of sale/manufacturing drug crime arrests and 36.8% of possession and use.” Many of these arrests are youths and these busts require harsh punishment that can affect them socially and in the workplace. These arrests can significantly damage the likelihood of job opportunities. These criminals generally lay in the lower class, which already creates an increased susceptibility to crime and violence and further diminishes opportunity due to little or poor education. If marijuana were to be legalized, lifelong consequences like a permanent record would not be a struggle youths would have to overcome. According to Joe Rogan, “prisons are for rapists, thieves, and murderers. If you lock someone up for smoking a plant that makes them happy, then you’re the criminal.” Legalization would not only free up prison space that much rather should be filled by such people, but it would allow for regulation that would bankrupt black market drug dealers and effectually destroy the rebellious attraction that ensnared the juveniles originally.

Criminalization causes more harm than good economically and legalization is more profitable as marijuana is “one of America’s best-selling agricultural products”. The Colorado Department of Revenue claims, “combined four-year sales of marijuana for that state since 2014 has topped $7.6 billion.” Legalization would allow the industry to produce $106.7 billion annually for all facets of government including local, state, and federal governments. Experts like Glenn Blake and Jack Gafferty have estimated $29 billion is spent annually on drug prohibition, which can be saved and put to better use. President H.W. Bush left the White House with a budget of over $12 billion to fight “the war on drugs” which did nothing to combat drugs from arriving on American soil. By creating, “more prisons, more jails, more courts, [and] more prosecutors”, he drove the biggest single increase in the history of U.S. drug enforcement with $1.5 billion for the federal police to spend and increased the budget 100,000 percent, just to establish a military presence in Columbia (Plan Columbia). Foreign intervention as a result of the war on drugs created casualties and resulted in undesirable consequences that could have been avoided altogether if the U.S.government had seized a capitalistic opportunity that would save them millions. The millions of dollars saved on law enforcement, prison costs, legal costs, and hospital costs are all long-term effects that attest to financial benefit, not to mention the extra income from sales tax and licensing fees (i.e. production facilities, retailers.)

In addition to economic benefits, medicinal utility offers aid to patients suffering from glaucoma, AIDS, and cancer offering relief from pain, muscle spasms (e.g. multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders), and nausea (often a result of chemotherapy or anorexia). These patients find that marijuana stimulates their immune system, mental health (e.g. mood regulation, anxiety, sleep disorders, etc.), neurological plasticity, cardiovascular health, and metabolic processes. Specifically, medical marijuana is used to treat anxiety, depression, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease due to its anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and anti-emetic properties. Most tests that have been conducted to gauge marijuana’s medicinal benefit have been on CBD, which is an active compound in medical marijuana and has been shown to serve as a neuroprotective in neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases. CBD also has shown its effectiveness in immune system and emotional and cognitive regulation, which involves appetite, learning, and digestion. Gregory T. Carter, MD, a clinical professor at the School of Medicine at the University of Washington claims, marijuana is “remarkably safe with no potential for overdose.” Certainly, given all its medical applications, medical marijuana should be adopted by all states to improve the physical and mental health of the suffering American.

Criminalizing marijuana creates harm and does nothing to alleviate addiction and drugs from circulating the American population. It puts the impoverished youth at a higher risk and unnecessarily destroys their future if prosecuted. It only intrudes on the American’s God-given and constitutionally granted right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” On the other hand, legalization not only offers financial benefit, but also aids in medical treatment for ailing patients all over the world. All but six states have legalized medicinal marijuana and the rest of the country should follow suit as a pre-requisite to a healthier future. Those who fear the abuse of marijuana misunderstand that there are no documented deaths attributed to it and there are plenty of things that can be abused in the world that are not criminalized, like fast food which quite frankly, leaves harsher effects than marijuana. Richard Neville characterizes marijuana addiction in the sense that “most pleasant things in life are worth endlessly repeating.”

Cannabis which originated and evolved 65 million years ago. It was the earliest plant domesticated by human. It was cultivated by 10000 years ago. It is also known by its other names as dope, grass, herb, dried buds, Marijuana, weed or pot. Cannabis was having its own category as it was used in many ways, as it was having sedative like effects, it was also used to provide pain relief, when taken in large doses it also acts like halogenic.

Cannabis was known by its various properties that were the reason it was sold over the counter back in the days as medication prescribed by doctors. Whereas cannabis was consumed by Americans from the late 1840s. Cannabis became controversial in the 1900s when a large number of Mexicans migrated to America. When Mexicans came to America, they brought marijuana which was the most popularized expression used by the director of the federal bureau of narcotics from 1930 to 1962 Harry Anslinger. He believed that cannabis also known as marijuana has a much higher effect on black people or darker skin people as compared to other people to commit violent crimes like murder. Along these lines, he propelled a horrible publicity battle against marijuana partner it with low-level races and social distortions. This resulted in Congress to passing the Tax on marijuana known as the Marijuana Tax Act which made a purchase of marijuana illegal. The term Marijuana should not be used in pop culture as it spreads against the dark people and Mexicans especially. In another way it is not at all a good way to promote drugs whether illegal or legal as especially teenagers follow pop culture get influenced by it.

US Government plays an important role as in the earlier times they made cannabis illegal and put taxes on it whereas people was not able to get it. Whereas in Canada It has a different scenario as the drug is legal everyone has access to it. Yes, the term marijuana carry broader impacts/ stereotypes/stigma when it comes to cannabis and society as cannabis was a name given to it earlier but after the Mexicans being migrated to America and they brought cannabis with them and hence Americans named it marijuana which was a racist word and then crimes was associated with the Mexican people intaking cannabis.

Hence cannabis brings stereotypes in society. Whereas the stigma which was popular was the cannabis addicts loses all sense of moral responsibility and more stigmas and stereotypes were there in the society. Currently, cannabis is used for medical purposes. The most common use is for pain control. Cannabis is also used to manage weight loss, nausea, and many other diseases. Cannabis have many more medical uses if taken in proper quantity. In some countries it is legal and in some countries it is illegal. It can be taken into various forms whether by smoking or drinking.

Taking cannabis long time create an addiction to body and it produces long term as well as short health effects in the body. Short effects can be impaired memory, impaired body movements, changes in mood, hallucinations. Long term effects can be cannabis effects a brain a lot than other body parts continue use of cannabis can impair memory and thinking and can build brain diseases also. There are physical effects also if a person use cannabis breathing problem as it taken in the body by smoking which effects lung and create problem while breathing. Cannabis intake in large doses taking regularly can impact persons mental health also. Which will impact persons work and then he will be short of money which create another problem in life. So, cannabis taken prescribed by doctors can help improving body functions but taking cannabis regularly in large quantities can impact persons physical, mentally and socially.

Cannabis which is also known as marijuana is a drug that some individuals use for medical reasons or just for enjoyment. Marijuana is often a mix of dried green, brown, or gray crumbled parts from the marijuana plant. Marijuana can be used in many different ways such as mixing it in food and eating it, using vaporizers, brewing it as a tea, smoking it from a pipe, rolling it up, and smoking it as if it’s a cigar or cigarette. Medical marijuana is used to treat many conditions such as cancer, pain, Alzheimer’s disease, appetite loss, etc. Some individuals use marijuana just for the fun of it and to get high. Some feel like it calms their nerves and makes them forget about all their worries for a short period of time. Marijuana has short and long-term effects on an individual. The drug contains chemicals that act on your brain and can transition your moods and consciousness. What are the effects of marijuana?

Marijuana produces short-term effects on the human brain. There are various short-term effects marijuana users feel when they are on a “high”. If you are a marijuana user, you may experience changes in your mood, forget certain events, have trouble figuring things out, and have trouble thinking. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse, “When a person smokes marijuana, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. The body absorbs THC more slowly when the person eats or drinks it. In that case, they generally feel the effects after 30 minutes to 1 hour.” Marijuana users may feel the side effects of marijuana usage quickly after using it or up to an hour later depending on how they use the product. Some other side effects that you are more than likely to feel are hunger and cravings for specific junk foods such as cake, ice cream, chips, etc. or you may have no appetite at all. You possibly will feel a sense of drowsiness and start to get sleepy. Your appearance will change, your sclera which is the white part of the eye, turns red, and your eyelids will start to get low.

Marijuana can become an addictive drug even if your intentions are to use it once. According to TeensHealth: Marijuana, “Marijuana can be addictive. About 1 in 10 people who use the drug regularly can develop a ‘marijuana use disorder.’ These people can’t stop using marijuana even though it causing problems in their lives. This is much more likely to happen in people who start using marijuana before age 18.” Individuals who use marijuana at a young age such as their early teens are more likely to become addicted to marijuana because they are basically prone to the drug. People may use marijuana to fill a void in their hearts, to calm their nerves, or for any other personal reasons. While they may come up with reasons why they use marijuana and may see those reasons as justification when it isn’t, they fail to realize that they’re facing an addiction. When they do realize they’re facing addiction and try to quit using marijuana, they suffer from marijuana withdrawal. Some symptoms of marijuana withdrawal are depression, difficulty sleeping, low appetite, aggravation, or anxiousness.

Marijuana can cause an individual to face financial problems. As stated before, marijuana is an addictive drug, those addicted to the drug would rather spend their last twenty dollars on a bag of marijuana rather than spending it on something beneficial. It may be hard for individuals to find a job or they may end up in low-class, low-paying jobs because they will need to be drug tested which many jobs require. If you don’t pass a drug test, you won’t be hired. According to The Cabin Ground, Consequences of a Marijuana Addiction: Financial, “One of the biggest costs of marijuana addiction is the drug itself. When a person is addicted to this drug and is forced with the decision of purchasing a bag of weed or putting the money in the bank, they will most likely purchase the weed. As with any addiction, an addict’s tolerance will become greater and they will need more of this drug to feel the same desired high. Over time, the monetary cost will only continue to rise.” When an individual is addicted to marijuana, they often feel like they need the drug and it’s impossible to stop using it. The more they use the drug, the more they will feel like they need it. Those who are addicted to marijuana will want to get a higher and higher dosage of the drug to feel the type of high that satisfies them without noticing it’s costing more money out of their pockets.

Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, making cannabis illegal nationwide under federal law. This time period was rife with misinformation and fear mongering. Parents were told that their children would be invited to parties and given reefer and that they would be hooked! The problem with the governments’ intervention and regulation in cannabis is that it never stopped increasing in those regulations and making punishments harsher. Cannabis is more than just college students getting high and getting the munchies as something cool to do. Cannabis has true potential to cure and medicate people’s ailments, from children with epileptic seizures to a mother of 3 who is experiencing early onset Alzheimer’s. The research and studies are there to show that cannabis should no longer be illegal on the federal level. The utilitarian purpose for cannabis is far greater than the reefer madness that was forced unknowingly into 1930s suburbia.

Children with epileptic seizures are utilitarian’s ultimate weapon in the fight for cannabis legalization. The results of cannabis’s effect on the population is immediate and highly effective with little alternatives that are of the same effectiveness and natural holistic origins. With cannabis derived pharmaceutical drug treatments, like Epidiolex, children with epileptic seizures can experience a significant drop in episodes that was not possible with standard forms of treatment. A study concluded that children being given the drug Epidiolex experienced a 36.5% median reduction in motor seizures; from 30 seizures a month to 15.8 seizures a month over the course of a 12-week trial study from UCSF Pediatric Epilepsy Center directed by Maria Roberta Cilio, MD, PhD.

Cannabis derived medicine breakthroughs are a profound leap in our society that have been previously held back by government legislation. It’s giving children and their loved ones the highest rating when using the Felicific calculus formulated by Jeremy Bentham. The affected party receives strong and immediate pleasure knowing that their child is experiencing relief from dangerous seizures every day. It will last essentially forever as long as the treatment continues to work and they have access to the pharmaceutical medication and it’s certain that the pleasure will occur. The fecundity of the pleasure that a parent and their child will experience when the child’s seizures are cut in almost half cannot be surpassed by anything else produced in our society, except maybe a complete cure of the condition. Cannabis medicine has relatively high scores in cannabis medicine; however, if the cannabis cannot treat the child, I don’t see any reason why a parent would experience any more opposite feelings of pleasure than any other pharmaceutical on the market. Cannabis medicine is not just for epileptic seizure patients; it can be used to treat pain, Alzheimer’s, eating disorders, stress, and anxiety just to name a few. So, the extent to which cannabis will stimulate pleasure in affected people is astronomical in figurative terms, especially once it has become legalized and destigmatized by the public.

State lawmakers are adopting new and less strict cannabis laws every year, and there is a notable shift in the public’s mind on recreational cannabis and medicinal uses on cannabis the utilitarian argument for legal cannabis continues to rise. Cannabis and its subcategories, hemp and CBD, are proven to be great utilities of our society. They have virtually no negative affects on pleasure, except what has been created by government lawmakers which would be removed in a federally legal country; this plays perfectly into John Mill’s principle of utility. An analogy to the pleasure effect on society that legalization of cannabis will produce is: making an illegal palm tree legal. The only negative effects on pleasure that will be produced are in a very slim percentage of people who hate palm trees are were glad that they were illegal because they don’t like the way they look. However, they still drink coconut milk and recognize that palm trees produce oxygen and are hearty plants. the hatred for a plant such as marijuana(cannabis) is a product of government legislation and propaganda fed to the public at a time when information was not easily verified, like the 21st century. As a Utilitarian, cannabis legalization is an easy decision to make in respect to pleasure received to the population.

The Legalization of Marijuana has been a controversial topic for the past couple of years. In the early two-thousands, most people were against the idea. But more recent polls have shown the approval rate has increased dramatically. Some states such as California, Colorado, and Nevada have already legalized the drug along with eight other states. Much like Alcohol, weed will obviously bring disturbances but it’s all about how one manages the product.

There are a lot of pros to the legalization of weed in the states. For instance, the sales of marijuana can boost the state’s economy and create more jobs. According to the Hibbing Daily Tribune,” the Denver-based Marijuana Policy Group told investors at the CannConMN Symposium in Minneapolis that recreational marijuana could bring in $1.12 billion in sales over five years while creating 20,000 jobs and about $300 million in taxation.” Not only is this good for the state but it’s also good for the people living there. Based on the economy of the legalized states, there are lower taxes for the resident’s thanks to the cannabis dispensaries. The dispensaries also bring a big percentage of revenue that will go to the city. The city can then turn around and invest in upgrades for the city such as roads and schools to better the community. This could potentially increase the passing rate of schools in the state which would get more people off the street and into a good-paying jobs.

In recent years, the approval of marijuana in the States has significantly grown. According to Effingham Daily News, in recent polls,” National support has grown into a solid majority, ranging around 65%.” That’s two-thirds of the country that approves of legal weed. In 2010, over 50% of the country was against it and now that’s cut in half. The eight other states in America have found that the approval rate continues to grow and the benefits continue to add up. For safety reasons, nine of the eleven states have put certain laws on the consumption of weed. For instance, according to Investopedia, these nine states have started to regulate the amount of weed sold to the buyer at a time. They also regulate the amount one can have on their person in public at one time.

Within modern medicine, doctors have found new ways to distribute marijuana and ways to use it in a positive and successful. According to the Hibbing daily tribune, “there are large sizes of growth in the economy for medicinal marijuana.” The use of medical marijuana has shown promise in cancer patients, as well as, in conditions affecting the nervous system. This is giving these patients a better quality of life while allowing them to continue their medical treatments.

It’s no secret that weed is a huge moneymaker, but no one ever expected it to make as much as it has within the last 5 years. According to the Blood Associated Press, “Colorado alone has made over 6 billion dollars on weed sales alone since the legalization in 2014.” The legal changes to the production of weed have created a burgeoning industry of legal cannabis companies. Many companies have even taken on the task of redeveloping the cannabis plant to help medical research and find new cures and vaccines.

In past years, the majority of the nation has been against legal pot.” In 2012, 64% of the country was against it.” According to the Effingham daily news, “that number has completely turned around with 64% of the country being for the legal pot.” More and more people are seeing the benefits of legalization in their cities and want to reap the benefits.

Many cities aren’t as wealthy as they would like to be. They have horrendous roads, distraught school districts, and unsafe neighborhoods for children. With Legal weed, thousands of small and large cities alike could be benefiting from the profits. But where there is prosperity, there is always a crime. The legalization of weed could potentially lead to more high school dropouts and fewer workers coming out of college into the workforce. It all depends on how you manage it. Like most legal medications, the drug needs to be used responsibly. It’s the same situation that a lot of people have to fight with opioid abuse. If we don’t abuse the drug then it should be legal to produce, distribute and use for a better quality of living.

If weed is well managed in a city, the benefits for the growth are endless with the revenue you bring in. The profits alone could completely rebuild society in a matter of months. The legalization of marijuana is a great idea for the United States to accept.

In 2012 a bill was passed to make the use of medical marijuana legal. To obtain the drug though, you would need to visit the doctor and get a medical card. It was hard to get a medical card and you needed a really good illness. Each state has different medical requirements for how you do get your card. The most common illnesses for getting a card, however, are cancer, glaucoma, severe anxiety, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson disease, PTSD, and any kind of terminal illness. For one year only the use of medical marijuana was legal, until Colorado decided to make history. In 2013 the State of Colorado was the first state to legalize the use of recreational marijuana. Meaning anyone over the age of 21 was free to buy, smoke, and grow weed. Since the legalization Colorado’s tax revenue has reached about 1 billion dollars. That is one billion dollars for the state to use on whatever they see fit. Which leads me to believe that the legalization of recreational marijuana should become legal all throughout the United States for the financial gains, the failures of prohibition, and to finally decriminalize it.

Following Colorado, more and more states started to see the benefits of legalization and choose to legalize it as well. So far we have 11 out of the 50 states have chosen to legalize the use of recreational marijuana. Since the legalization, the revenue collected would essentially go back into the market. The funds would be used for any and all public schooling, rehabilitation centers, fixing up the community, and for research on the drugs full effects, short and long term. For example, Colorado has used their revenue in many different ways; provided is a pie chart showing the different ways they use their revenue. Since it’s now legal, more dispensaries can open up, creating more job opportunities for the community. Which means, if every state decides to legalize the use, more jobs would open up, and help everyone across the map.

[image: ] “Today, over 106 million Americans have admitted to having tried it, and over 17.4 million admit to having used it in the past month.”, according to the Marijuana Policy Project. With those numbers, we can conclude that marijuana is such a popular drug that there will be a high demand of it. Guaranteeing that if taxed, profit will absolutely be obtained. Not only from the purchase of the drug itself, but for those who choose to grow the plant will also be taxed. However, there is a 3-plant limit per household for anyone who does choose to grow their own strand, and they would have to obtain a license. So, basically anything marijuana related can be taxed and therefore create more revenue.

Now not only will there be financial gains, but now the use of black-market dealing is no longer effective. Just like in the 1920’s when alcohol was banned, people found many ways to get around those laws with underground speakeasies, so why are we really surprised that people are able to get illegal drugs just as easily. However, “black-market” marijuana can be risky because there is no certain it is JUST marijuana. For example, just recently there is a sudden outbreak of lung illnesses being traced back to black-market marijuana vaping carts. There have been at least 530 documented cases of the people affected by these carts, and at least nine have lost their lives because of them as well. If every state legalizes, we could prevent many more illnesses and even deaths, by controlling and regulated what can and cannot be sold! Another example is something called Synthetic Marijuana or known by its street name “K2”. A drug created by dried plants sprayed with mid altering chemicals. This fake drug has sent thousands to the emergency room and has even caused deaths. These type of drugs is the reason marijuana has a bad reputation. If legalized, prohibition goes away, and stops preventing the economy from growing. Is there a guarantee that these fake drugs will be taken out completely, no. However, there is a lesser chance that someone does get these. When I was younger, an old boyfriend and his buddy pressured me into taking a big hit of marijuana. I had smoked a little bit before that but not very much, so I was still very new to the drug. However, after taking this hit, something felt wrong. I wasn’t feeling how the drug normally made me feel. From what I remember, I started to cry, I thought I was talking but I wasn’t, and I kept wanting to fall asleep. My (ex)boyfriend also agreed that he was feeling different and that was not a normal strand. Somehow we managed to get back to my house where we were lucky enough to just sleep it off. Later we did find out, we were given a laced batch. It was truly terrifying; I wasn’t in control. That was the last time I touched the drug for a very long time.

Of course, though, not everyone is excited to see the legalization of marijuana. “I was surprised and disappointed that the folks in our beautiful state of Colorado would vote to legalize the use of marijuana, medical or otherwise. Has legalization been a success? I suppose for those in the business, yes, they’re making money. But how many tax dollars and how many man hours have been spent in dealing with all the issues it’s created?” – Dick Wyant, Arvada.

“I have no problem with the use of medical marijuana, if it is proven to be helpful scientifically; I would never want anyone to suffer needlessly through pain. But get rid of recreational marijuana; it’s causing many problems with our youth and our drivers, who don’t think it’s wrong to be under the influence of marijuana in comparison to alcohol — that’s a major mistake.” – Yvonne Bobela, Thornton. Except the only problem is, according to recent reports, the legalization has been nothing but good things for the states. According to the “Colorado Department of Public Safety”, DUI cases from 2014 to 2017 have gone down 15% and the percent of drivers in fatal crashes who were tested positive for Delta 9 THC has also gone down from 11.6% in 2016 to 7.5% in 2017. These results are showing that legalization is helping to keep the streets safer.

I recently took a trip to a state where marijuana was legal. Since I was going to be in that state for a while I decided to visit a dispensary and try the drug one more time. Since here it was regulated and carefully selected. I didn’t get much, but just enough to try it out and have some fun. While everyone else in my party was getting drunk and acting foolish, I was lighting up a joint and just getting the munchies. The only negative thing that occurred while I smoked was the lingering smell. The use of marijuana didn’t make me want to go out and rob a store, it didn’t make me want to go kill some random person, all it truly did was make everything funny, give me the munchies, and gave me the best sleep I’d had in months. I do understand that everyone experiences the drug in different ways, but just like alcohol, there aren’t very many differences in the other experiences.

Some, however, are arguing that if more states do legalize, it could be easier for our youth to obtain the drug. Except, the Marijuana Policy Project found that through a regulated system, licensed merchants have an incentive to check for ID’s and avoid selling to minors. Just like if a minor tried to buy alcohol or tobacco, the clerk almost always asks for an ID. Minors will always try and find a way to get what they want, but now we can make it harder for them just like we do for alcohol and tobacco.

In conclusion, the legalization of marijuana across the States can be an important step in helping raise our economy. With the extra income we can finally fund necessary programs we so desperately need. Recreational marijuana has also been proven to be the safest drug on the market, with zero cases involving overdosage, so why are we still treating it like its heroin?

Works Cited

1. Project, Marijuana Policy. “Decriminalization.” MPP, https://www.mpp.org/issues/decriminalization/.
2. Rob Kuznia, Lena Sun, and Lena Sun Rob Kuznia. “Potential Culprits in Mystery Lung Illnesses: Black-Market Vaping Products.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 25 Sept. 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/potential-culprits-in-mystery-lung-illnesses-black-market-vaping-products/2019/09/24/cb5b708e-d98d-11e9-ac63-3016711543fe_story.html.
3. “Colorado Division of Criminal Justice Publishes Report on Impacts of Marijuana Legalization in Colorado.” Department of Public Safety, 26 Feb. 2019, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/publicsafety/news/colorado-division-criminal-justice-publishes-report-impacts-marijuana-legalization-colorado.
4. Awad, Ann Marie. “Where Does All The Marijuana Money Go? Colorado’s Pot Taxes, Explained.” Colorado Public Radio, Colorado Public Radio, 20 Sept. 2019, https://www.cpr.org/2018/10/22/where-does-all-the-marijuana-money-go-colorados-pot-taxes-explained/.
5. Punjabi, Rajul. “Everything You Need to Know About K2, the Dangerous Weed Knockoff.” Vice, 8 June 2018, https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/mbk54n/everything-you-need-to-know-about-k2-the-dangerous-weed-knockoff.

Problem

The legalization of Marijuana created more problems than expected. The Purpose of legalizing Marijuana was to help the ones that need it to survive. Instead, It turned into a vast usage among many in different aspects of life. The media and researchers believe that marijuana would fix many problems like lowering the incarceration rate and free up cap space for harsher offenses. Turns out that they were wrong, Due to the fact that the DUI rate has gone tremendously up. People started being more careless and driving while intoxicated. They felt like just because it is legal, it means that they can not get arrested for it nor can they get a DUI. Although that is going on, teen smoking has increased over a short time. The selling of Marijuana illegally makes it easy for teens to get ahold of it. Also, marijuana stores are growing at a mass rate.

“With the passing of Amendment 64, adults 21 or older in Colorado can legally possess one ounce (28 grams) of marijuana or THC”(Marijuana Laws in Colorado,2019) anything past that is considered a crime and you can be arrested for it or the cops can take possession of the drug by law. Not just in Colorado but worldwide. Getting pulled over for being intoxicated will lead to a DUI, “Considering that marijuana is a drug, which by definition changes the way the human body works, its use would lead users to experience a high that alters their perception while under the influence. For instance, low to moderate doses distort perception that is enough to cause traffic accidents. In fact, study shows that weed is one of the most prevalent illegal drugs found in fatally injured and impaired drivers.”(Cons of Legalizing Weed,23 June 2015) There are two cases when it comes to a DUI, In the first one is the underage driver, when kids get convicted of a DUI, they are either put on probation for an exceeded amount of time or forced to pay a fine. The second case is for adults and the DUI law differences due to the fact that adults can handle more responsibilities. If caught with a DUI as an adult, cops are forced to take you to the nearest jail to get booked and put on bail your license will get taken away, you will have to appear in court.

Facts

There is one fine print that some neglect to focus on If you’re a non-U.S citizen it is considered a felony to use marijuana.”Although marijuana is legal in Colorado, if you’re not a U.S. citizen you can get in serious trouble with the federal government. Permanent legal residents and those with immigrant status should know how the law affects them.” (Responsibility starts with knowing the laws,2019) you can get jailed for trying to leave the country with marijuana, or if you try to mail marijuana out of the country. Carrying marijuana around an airport will get you in trouble. People still do it because they feel like just because it is legal, means that they are free to walk around with it. So that leads to being arrested, and right back to the incarceration rate being added to. Using marijuana will get you addicted dependency treatment professionals to agree that weed is a gateway drug that doubtlessly introduces customers to extra severe unlawful materials of abuse. research even indicates that its use might be connected to a better chance of prescription drug use. a set of juvenile boys who abused weed, in conjunction with alcohol and cigarettes, had been observed to be 2-three times more likely to abuse pharmaceuticals once they grow to be young adults. Marijuana legalization, then, may want to increase societal and economic changes for the treatment of those delivered to heavier tablets by using smoking it.

The kid is also going to be using Marijuana, Kids tend to buy it illegally and use it every day. It’s harder to detect in kids versus adults. Indeed, even undesirable things that are legitimate, for example, liquor and cigarettes, are disallowed from being offered to underage kids. The essential explanation behind this is on the grounds that kids, by and large, don’t display a similar obligation, thinking, and judgment as adults, and their bodies are not as prepared to deal with the admission of such substances. The issue would be far more atrocious for cannabis use, which can bargain genuine hits to creating brains and bodies. In this way, whenever Marijuana use is made lawful, the medications available to kids will increment. While very regularly kids and young adults are getting their hands on cigarettes and liquor, it is focused on that specialists should twice over sanctioning this drug. Schools do not see that kids sharing and passing around drugs, they are more focused on education and not kids’ health and well-being.

Proposal

Marijuana should be illegal again. There are too many people getting in unnecessary trouble with law enforcement, schools are having the most problems with kids getting ahold of the drug. It affects kids the most due to the fact that their bodies can not contain such substances. The problem with schools that should be addressed, is that they do not have the proper training to help the kids see the dangerous end of a substance that could impair their thinking and make them addicted or even sluggish over time. If marijuana is made illegal again, there would be no need to try and save kids from hitting rock bottom. The drug would be harder to obtain and the marijuana business would have to change the way they hand out drugs to people. People would need to prove that they are in need of the drug instead of sitting there getting high all day just because they may think it is cool.

Solution

Marijuana is harmful to the brain and can lead to mental issues in the future, but there is still time to save the youth with a cry for help. Getting parents involved in their kid’s everyday activities, giving them more attention so their minds could be active and not on a drug that is not going to do any good for them unless they are seriously ill. There is a difference between medical and recreational marijuana. If people can prove they need the drug to live, then it should be okay, sending people to rehab so they would make the best decision in the future for a better life and to keep kids safe and out of trouble for the greater good. Fining adults instead of making them spend time in jail for half their lifetime or making them go to rehab to help them be out sooner and ready to function in society. The main point that is being addressed is that, either give the people proper training to deal with it or just make it illegal so the abuse rate could drop sooner than later.