Category: Marijuana Legalization

Introduction

Medical marijuana is an alternative type of medicine that comes from Cannabis Sativa’s dried parts. People have used it as a herbal remedy for centuries, and it as proven to be effective in relieving and treating symptoms of chronic illnesses. Although the Federal government considers it illegal, some states allow its use in treating particular health conditions. Medical marijuana can be in the form of vaporized spray, pills, and smoking leaves or baked into foods depending on how often one should use it. This paper will analyze medical marijuana as an alternative medicine for various chronic illnesses, and advocate for its legalization.

Medical Marijuana as an Alternative Medicine

Medical Marijuana has been proven to improve the quality of life in patients with certain chronic conditions and it can be used an effective alternative medicine option. Patients should be able to have access to medical marijuana without having to face the stigma that currently exists in modern medicine. Medical marijuana is one of the most vital remedies for people with chronic ailments. According to Borowicz, Kaczmarska & Szalewska (2014), marijuana is an effective treatment for lung cancer, which is a chronic condition. The study revealed that cannabis contains active ingredients with the ability to inhibit tumor growth in people with lung cancer, thus reducing the spread of metastases. The CB1 and CB2 receptors enhance efficacy and their activation can also be a result of cannabinoids and TCH medical derivatives. The receptors that become overexpressed in various cancers inhibit epidermal growth factor receptor, which is prevalent in non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC). With the discovery of medical marijuana, it is evident that its anti-tumorigenic action will help in suppressing tumor growth and other oncological related symptoms. The cannabinoid receptor activation in the hypothalamic hunger center enhances the intake of food and leads to weight gain (Borowicz, Kaczmarska & Szalewska, 2014). As such, it will also be possible to eliminate the cachexia that develops during the terminal stage of cancer.

Studies have also established that marijuana can heal Glaucoma, a condition that destroys the optic nerve and makes the patients blind. Borowicz, Kaczmarska & Szalewska (2014) found that the CB2 receptor-induced enhancements in retinal circulation mediate the action. Using cannabis as a medicine for glaucoma is advantageous because it lowers intraocular pressure without exposing the patient to serious adverse effects. A combination of timolol eye drops and cannabis extracts produces good treatment results (Borowicz, Kaczmarska & Szalewska, 2014). Additionally, the spreading of cannabinoid receptors in a person’s immune system is an indication that endocannabinoid receptors are the targets of anti-inflammatory interventions.

Cannabis also helps in the treatment of HIV, a virus that multiplies and kills the CD4+T lymphocytes, destroying their ability to fight infections. Since most of the HIV infections present the cognitive impairment and dementia symptoms, it becomes difficult for other medications that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier to eliminate the symptoms. However, data from Harvard University has established that marijuana can pass through the barrier and result in protection of the brain from HIV-related neurotoxin proteins (Borowicz, Kaczmarska & Szalewska, 2014). Inflammation that is also a common condition is treatable using marijuana. Cannabinoids contain an anti-inflammatory activity that can also help in rheumatism therapies. During this process, the cannabinoid agonists influence lymphocyte proliferation and help in modulating the cytokines production.

Marijuana, as an alternative medicine also heals inflammatory bowel disease. The gastrointestinal tract condition’s symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains, and internal cramps. As such, experiments in patients revealed high CBR expressions and endocannabinoid levels in the intestines. However, researches have confirmed that the THC-rich cannabis heals 90 percent of the patients without exposing them to significant side effects. Additionally, patients with multiple sclerosis conditions can also use medical marijuana as an alternative source of medication.

Stigma Associated With Medical Marijuana

Although research has confirmed the usefulness of cannabis as an alternative source of medicine, it remains difficult o use in several regions due to the stigma involved. The association of marijuana with illegal drugs makes it challenging for some people to purchase and use it openly. However, the administration of marijuana in ways that resemble traditional medications like pills increases its intake levels. On the other hand, marijuana intake using recreational approaches like cigarette smoking receives a high level of stigmatization (Rudiski, 2014). Therefore, the reasons for marijuana consumption and method used are essential aspects of the treatment process. Since no evidence-based information exists, the doctors find it challenging to recommend the precise information to patients confidently.

Since the benefits of medical marijuana are evident, it is crucial to legalize it and recommend its use in clinics so that people do not shy from openly using it. Eliminating the controversies and stigma will also make it easier for health facilities to prescribe the right doses to patients.

Conclusion

With the growing morbidity of immune ailments and the ineffectiveness of available therapeutic techniques, it has become increasingly important to invest in alternative medicines. Marijuana appears to be one of the best options for treating chronic conditions like lung cancer, glaucoma, and HIV among others. However, the stigma associated with the drugs makes its open prescription and consumption difficult. Additionally, the lack of its national recognition makes it appear illegal in some states; hence, people cannot get it easily. Therefore, approving marijuana and legalizing its use will help in eliminating most of the persistent chronic diseases.

References

1. Borowicz, K. K., Kaczmarska, P., & Barbara, S. (2014). Medical use of marijuana. Archives of Physiotherapy & Global Researches, 18(4).
2. Rudski, J. M. (2014). Treatment acceptability, stigma, and legal concerns of medical marijuana are affected by the method of administration. Journal of Drug Issues, 44(3), 308-320.

The legalization and regulation of cannabis across the United States market marks a significant time in history. Apart from giving the plant its much-needed recognition, the world is also shedding light to the benefits and advantages marijuana brings to its many users around the globe. From aiding in pain management to being used recreationally, there is no denying the reach marijuana has today.

Because of the wonderful feats the plant has done for various sectors in society, it is only right that its contributions are highlighted and celebrated. One of the events which seek to commemorate the importance of cannabis and even CBD oil in the field is the High Times Cannabis Cup.

Held annually, the Cannabis Cup is a festival spearheaded by High Times. The festival serves as an avenue for up and coming businesses in the scene to showcase their products and offerings through a series of competitions. Founded by Steven Hager, the event initially launched in Amsterdam in 1988, before finding its way to the United States come 2010.

Hager’s founding on the time-honored tradition stemmed from his desire to foster a closer community that is made up of like-minded individuals. More than this, Hager founded the Cup as a means for manufacturers and marijuana enthusiasts to come together and market their products towards the community. Titles and awards will be given to winners at the end of the event, with victors coming from different categories.

The event allows business owners and manufacturers alike to showcase their products, including CBD oil edibles, CBD infused beauty products, pure CBD vape oil, and many more. Apart from providing access to these kinds of hemp and marijuana products, the cup also serves as an event where people can gather to enjoy the music, attend educational talks and seminars, and simply revel in the journey of marijuana in the world today.

The High Times Cannabis Cup is a recognized event not only in Amsterdam and some states in the United States but also in different parts of the world. Through its yearly traditions and observations, the event successfully calls for change and awareness in society in terms of addressing the current landscape of marijuana. From recognizing the need to boost legalization and decriminalization proceedings in various parts of the globe to building a stronger community, there is no doubt that the festival effectively tackles current issues in the landscape today.

Today, the unparalleled growth and reach of the event finds itself across different states within the nation, including California, Colorado, Jamaica, Las Vegas, Portland, Rhode Island, and many more. The latest event to have spearheaded change and awareness, as well as accessibility, is the 2019 Detroit Cannabis Cup held last August 2019. States who continue to hold their own versions or observations usually shed its focus on medical marijuana and or its coexistence with recreational marijuana use.

The competition gave birth to the continuous advance and eventual legacy of cannabis in the booming market today. Winners and other participants emerged as leaders in the local and global scenes, paving way for other businesses and manufacturers to follow suit.

In many ways, the importance of the event lies on the community-building aspect it fosters as well as the very celebration of the plant itself. In acknowledging the changes it has enacted throughout countless places, the festivities emphasize not only the continued demand of the people but also the constant improvements and rewards it provides users.

In time, the world may soon see the Cannabis Cups as a representation of America with a brighter and higher future, particularly from a business standpoint. Until then, the community continues its fight towards decriminalization and legalization one step at a time.

Eagerly anticipated, the concern for the legalization of marijuana still exists and should be addressed. There are many states that have mandated Medical marijuana laws. Two states specifically, Colorado and Washington have sanctioned cannabis to be used recreationally. Society winds up in a head scratcher on what truly is the better class for the eventual fate of cannabis; an improving plant or perhaps a risky gateway narcotic? Greedy industries and false information have outshined the positive effects that marijuana has on individuals for decades.

The safety of the general public is one of the first issues that stands out. Where and how marijuana is utilized should be taken into consideration. Safety should also be taken into consideration with regards to tasks such as driving, working around machinery that could potentially prove to be dangerous. “Impaired memory for recent events, difficulty concentrating, dreamlike states, impaired motor coordination, impaired driving and other psychomotor skills, slowed reaction time, impaired goal-directed mental activity, and altered peripheral vision are common associated effects.” (Adams and Martin 1996; Fehr and Kalant 1983; Hollister 1988a; Institute of Medicine 1982; Tart 1971) A safety analysis should be performed before any judgement should be made, regardless of which side the debate falls on.

Maybe the most significant challenge with Marijuana legalization is the fear of how easily attainable it might be for minors. Can marijuana be a dangerous gateway drug that minors might be the victims of? This connection is created through a minor who is simply trying the drug out of pure curiosity and is enjoying it, many believe it might spark an interest for vigorous drugs. Some portray the legalization of marijuana as a higher resilience for stronger drug use. A real contention about whether society should to permit the use of drugs. Let’s face it, no parent would want their child using an illegal drug, if even they do live in a non-legal state, nowadays marijuana is easily attainable through underground sales which are highly illegal. Marijuana use among teens is has been rated at the highest level in 30 years. Nowadays, teens are more likely to use marijuana rather than tobacco products. (Acaap, Marijuana & Teens, no. 106)

Another issue is the question “Does marijuana have an addicting effect? Addiction has always been a crucial issue, especially in today’s society. Nobody needs any bad habits that can potentially affect their life in an negative manner. The utilization of marijuana creates a satisfying feeling, and with all those marvelous sensations is how individuals attempt to escape their life from the real world and take a break from reality. Tobacco and alchohal are legal to consume, we realize they are both indeed addictive, with everlasting negative effects that are unhealthy for the human body. “According to the study, at the individual level, booze presents the highest risk of death, followed by nicotine, cocaine and heroin, suggesting the risks of alcohol consumption have likely been underestimated in the past. Marijuana was found to be significantly less deadly and sat at the other end of the spectrum”. (Elise Andrew, IFLS) However breathing smoke into your lungs is still harmful. Be that as it may, similar standards ought to be applied to all inebriating and possibly addictive substances, not simply to enterprises that have been effectively supported by the government and been pronounced “legal”.

Seeing the handful of issues that surround the legalization of marijuana, there are far more benefits that potentially justify the usage of the plant. Marijuana can be used as a tool if you look at it from a medical standpoint. It can help with physical pain such as joint pain, spasticity and none-migraine headaches. The phycological benefits of Marijuana far surpass the physical benefits. The compounds and chemicals within the plan have been known to treat depression, PTSD, social anxiety, epilepsy and many other conditions. It also helps cancer patients that undergo chemotherapy by helping with nausea and vomiting, some studies also show that it helped slow down the growth of cancer cells and even completely kill many types of cancers (David Railton, Medical News Today). Marijuana has also proven to help with insomnia. More importantly, it has been helping people with alcohol addiction and dangerous drug addictions such as opioid dependency.

Something else that can’t be disregarded about marijuana legalization is its gigantic monetary effect on the economy. The legalization of the plant would have a major boost on the economy through taxation. Through the opening of cultivation and manufacturing facilities the number of new jobs and businesses in various industries that legalization will bring is tremendous. Additionally, the Real Estate industry would also endure the positive effects. “States that have legalized medical and/or recreational marijuana are seeing a significant increase in property values and lease rates where marijuana cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries, and retailers can operate”.(Susan Gunelius, Cannabiz) Numerous individuals accept that the fundamental explanation behind legality issues comes from the robust impact of the pharmaceutical enterprise and their contributors. Marijuana is a cheaper alternative than other expensive medications.

The best way to go about the legalization of marijuana would be to strongly regulating it. Just how alcohol and other drugs are regulated by the government, marijuana would have the same rules. There would be an age limit set limiting the use of the plant by adults who are over the age of 21. In order to consume and carry the plant, users must get their hands on a prescription written by their doctor. The dosage would also be regulated based on the medical issues. Tax revenue would be used to fund schools and maintain the community. Strictly regulated by the government, Marijuana would be safer for its consumers use.

With the facts provided clearly, it is anything but difficult to see the gigantic advantages that originate from the legalization of marijuana. With huge rewards outweighing the minimal risks, Marijuana is the ideal venture. The blast to the economy which include tax revenue and job openings all across, and above all the medicinal, innovative, and economical advantages; it is indeed unfortunate that marijuana has not been made legal all across the nation.

With voting season right around the corner, many states are considering the future of marijuana on their upcoming ballots. According to According to Governing.com “The District of Columbia and 11 states — Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and Washington — have adopted the most expansive laws legalizing marijuana for recreational use… Most other states allow for limited use of medical marijuana under certain circumstances”. Since these states have already legalized marijuana use in one form or another, it’s fair to say, most of the population believes it should be legalized across the board for all states for both legal and medical usage. Polls show “that 66% of Americans support making marijuana use legal and around 90% support for allowing medical marijuana, lawmakers are increasingly getting the message that constituents want them to act on sensible and humane marijuana policies”. (www.mpp.org)

Marijuana as an illegal substance and some people feel that by legalizing the use of marijuana it will provide a gateway to legalizing more harmful controlled substances. Regardless of state laws, the use and sale of marijuana is still illegal and a jail able offence at the federal level. Lets consider however, the benefits that would come by decriminalizing the use of the Cannabis sativa (hemp) plant.

For hundreds of years, people have used marijuana for fiber (hemp), medical treatment, and recreationally. ”There is some evidence that marijuana or some of its components — such as CBD — may be useful for relieving severe pain, inflammation, nausea, and chronic conditions” (www.medicalnewstoday.com ).Marijuana studies have shown to be beneficial by using marijuana cannabinoids for the treatment of (and providing relief to) psychiatric disorders as well seizure disorders, and substance use disorders including withdrawal and dependence. In

Stark contrast, the completely legal use of alcohol and tabbaco have very different and opposite consequences. According to federal data, ”… From 2006-2010, excessive alcohol use in the US accounted for 88,000 deaths per year, and shortened the lives of those who died by approximately 30 years. Further, alcohol-induced complications, such as alcohol poisoning and cirrhosis, led to the deaths of 1 in 10 adults from the ages of 20 to 64. And these statistics don’t include motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. In 2014, alcohol-related driving fatalities accounted for 31% of overall driving fatalities, or 9,967 deaths” (addictedtoalcohol.com). A study done by the Center for Disease Control shows that “ Worldwide, tobacco use causes more than 7 million deaths per year.” It goes further to say that “ If the pattern of smoking all over the globe doesn’t change, more than 8 million people a year will die from diseases related to tobacco use by 2030.”

Not only is the legalization of marijuana useful to treat medical conditions, the financial benefits at the state level could be substantial. A quick search of the internet provides many credible sources that predict the potential financial gains that could be achieved based on current trends within states that have already legalized the use of marijuana. An article done by Penn State states “According to an article by CNN, the tax revenue for Colorado since they legalized marijuana have been upwards of fifty-three million dollars.” It goes on to state “ The Huffington Post discusses how illegal marijuana sales are estimated to be around forty billion dollars, and if marijuana was legalized all of these sales would be taxed. These tax revenues would provide a huge boost in the economy. In 2010, an economist, Stephen Easton, estimated that legal marijuana could be a forty-five to a one hundred billion dollar industry for the federal government.” In addition to income from sales, “Workers would be needed to farm, process, distribute, and sell marijuana-based products. Further, there would be ample opportunities for secondary industries which were related to legal cannabis although not directly involved in its production and distribution. These might include software developers, financing services, construction companies, and many others” (www.investopedia.com).

With the legalization of the drug and the industry around it, it no longer makes sense to keep people who were once perpetrators of old marijuana laws in prison, for moral or financial reasons. Legalizing marijuana use will reduce the number of inmates within prisons and jails and reduce the burden and costs of enforcement on the judicial system and law enforcement. A strong advocate for legalizing marijuana is NORML . An article on their site shows ( an older) study done by JFA institute suggests that “decriminalizing illicit drugs, along with enacting modest reforms in sentencing and parole, would save taxpayers an estimated $20 billion per year and reduce the prison population from 1.5 million to below 700,000”. More recent information found on columbusunderground.com shows “465,000 people were arrested for marijuana related crimes in California between 2005 and 2016 alone — with people of color being three times as likely to be arrested. Ohio’s recent decriminalization of the plant has led to a significant decrease in the amount of marijuana arrests in the last few years and only 2.5 percent of Ohio inmates are in prison for marijuana charges”.

As time progresses and the laws at state level follow, so should the consideration at both the state and Federal laws encompassing the rest of the country. Its time for some common sense legalization reform for marijuana for both medical and recreational usage. If you’re lucky enough to have a bill on your next ballot, vote “yes” for marijuana reform.

References

1. Marijuana (cannabis): Facts, effects, and hazards. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246392.php#medical-use.
2. Marijuana: The Real Truth A Informative Piece. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sites.psu.edu/bettermentofamerica/financial-benefits/.
3. Krishna, M. (2019, June 25). The Economic Benefits of Legalizing Weed. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/insights/110916/economic-benefits-legalizing-weed.asp.
4. New Marijuana Laws Could Bring Criminal Justice Reform to Ohio. (2018, July 7). Retrieved from https://www.columbusunderground.com/new-marijuana-laws-could-bring-criminal-justice-reform-to-ohio-ti1.
5. Project, M. P. (n.d.). 2019 Marijuana Policy Reform Legislation. Retrieved from https://www.mpp.org/issues/legislation/key-marijuana-policy-reform/.
6. Strohte, K., Strohtehttp, K., Strohte, K., Millis, N., Brown, N., Strohte, K., … Mike. (2019, February 28). Alcohol Related Deaths Per Year. Retrieved from https://addictedtoalcohol.com/information/alcohol-related-deaths-year/.

Introduction

The legal recognition of marijuana denotes one of the most controversial themes across the globe. Contrary to the contentions presented by the activists of legalizing the drug, the present bipartisan and restrictive laws of the US, as well as other nations around the globe, are doing a commendable job in alleviating the consumption of marijuana. In line with this argument, it is imperative to acknowledge that the substance is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the US (Ruggeri and Teti 43). Intriguingly, the proponents articulating for its legalization on a medicinal context fail to acknowledge that the extreme costs of the drug do not relate to its prohibition but rather from its use. Concurrently, the advocates of the same have a less convincing case for their argument as they cite absurd reasons like its ability to cure some illnesses, moral progression, promotion of wellness, and bolstering liberal thinking, among others. Indeed, some of the contentions sound unrealistic, whereas others lack adequate scientific proof. As such, this article seeks to present an argument against marijuana legalization and at the same time, refute possible criticisms.

Extra Expenditure

Accordingly, proponents contend that the legalization of marijuana would prompt a revenue boost. As both the state and local governments encounter hurdles in raising resources to tend to the needs of their people, the legal recognition of marijuana could help in creating more taxes for the government. Indeed, the contention may have some element of truth, and the economy may get better for some time. However, such does not translate to any long term benefits. Taxation of the drug will not be of any help as it will simply be an exchange of money. The buyers will lose their money, and the funds will end up with the government. On the other hand, the state will have to come up with appropriate programs and initiatives to assist marijuana addicts. In like manner, other marijuana-related activities such as crime will also prompt more expenditure as the state attempts to curb such malpractices. Thus, instead of bolstering economic performance through collected taxes, the legalization of marijuana will create more wastage of taxes in programs that would not have been there if the drug was not legalized in the first place.

Lack of Acceptable Use

In other cases, individuals from both inside and outside the medical society contend that the drug is an ideal treatment for a wide array of ailments (Bradford and David Bradford 76). Such include Crohn’s disease, PTSD, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, among others. Indeed, 22 states have even considered utilizing the drug for medicinal uses and under strict guidelines (Ryan‐Ibarra, Induni, and Ewing 142). On the contrary, despite the alleged medical benefits of the substance, marijuana is yet to be recognized in a national context. Indeed, the use of marijuana for medical purposes remains a sensitive issue characterized by multiple criticism and legalization debates. In the bid to refute the potential of marijuana as a form of treatment, the critics opine that the adverse implications of the substance maybe even more far-reaching than its health benefits. Besides, it is also more prone to abuse when implemented in medical protocols, especially due to its highly addictive nature. Therefore, it lacks acceptable terms of use.

Addiction

Intriguingly, there have been circulating myths that marijuana is not addictive. In like manner, other supporters also opine that the drug is not as addictive as other already legalized substances like cigarettes. Concurrently, compelling evidence articulates that approximately 10% who indulge in marijuana consumption end up getting addicted. The number is even higher in adolescents. Concurrently, the addicts who seek medical intervention for the use of the drug report to have abused it for at least ten years. Various withdrawal symptoms are associated with retraction from the use of marijuana (Chauchard et al. 82). There are numerous cases of insomnia, appetite variations, restlessness, depression, and anxiety. The symptoms affect as many as 44% of the users and thus further contribute to its prolonged use. In like manner, healthcare professionals espouse that prolonged exposure to the drug could also lead to addiction. The contention that the drug is not addictive is hence significantly misguided. Addiction possibly levels all the benefits that could be induced by marijuana were it to be legalized.

Efficiency in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

Many contenders opine that decriminalizing marijuana will create more time for law enforcers to pursue the offenders of other crimes such as those indulging in robbery and violence. Intriguingly, the group also ideates that legalization of the same would trigger the creation of wiggle space in the criminal justice system hence enabling judges and prosecutors to focus on more serious crimes to make the society a better place and at the same time reduce prison populace. However, legalization is a double-edged concept that can prompt adverse implications equally powerful to the espoused benefits. Marijuana use could harm not only the society but also impair law enforcement duties (Ward, Lucas and Murphy 217). The legalization of the same will nurture societal violence and crimes in societies. The state of affairs could also translate to aggravated deaths and constrained relationships between people. Besides, there would be heightened property crimes as addicted seek to obtain more resources for procuring the drug.

Controlled Use

The idea behind controlled use, as proposed by proponents of legalization, is to establish an age limit for the use of the substance characterized by strict laws and controls for young people’s access to marijuana. On the contrary, the use of marijuana among adolescents has been on the rise. Data depicting the correlation between marijuana use among teenagers exhibit an inverse relationship. The more the adolescent hazard perception diminishes, the use of the substance increases, and vice versa. As states legalize, the use of the substance teenagers, risk perception of the same is expected to lower, consequently translating to heightened use levels among the teens. Such connotes one of the pressing concerns and arguments presented against the legalization of marijuana. What is worse is the drug undermines the cognitive development of the teenagers, consequently inducing both short term and long-term implications.

In like manner, controlled use may not be an option when it comes to marijuana because it is considered a gateway drug. In other words, many experts on the subject matter contemplate that the drug has a high potential to trigger more severe use of other illegal substances such as heroin and cocaine (Palamar, Griffin-Tomas and Kamboukos 323). In like manner, it is also highly probable that users may abuse prescription drugs. Indeed, teenagers, especially boys who abuse marijuana, are also highly probable to indulge in the misuse of prescription drugs. As such, it is beyond a reasonable doubt that the legalization of the same could transpire to immense adverse implications for the society in terms of the cost incurred in treating such teenagers as well as the loss of potential workforce to bolster the economy in the future.

Quality Control

The contenders of legalizing marijuana argue that the procurement of the substance on the streets is risky as there is no sure way to determine the contents of the drug. In other words, the peddlers may add other harmful compounds tailored to increase addiction so that they can make more sales. As such, the proponents of legalization acknowledge that, indeed, current legalization efforts lack direct consideration for safety. Still, they prompt a pivotal framework that could alleviate some of the hazards that stem from the consumption of marijuana, potentially laced with toxic ingredients.

As much as the argument might favor the community’s economy, it is not a good idea as the drug will be freely abused, consequently triggering more related incidents. Indeed, there is no point in consciously aggravating societal violence and crimes. As such, it can be argued that the legalization activists merely envision the issue in a way that benefits them. Indeed, they lack consideration for the adverse implications that may manifest when the drug is cultivated, produced, distributed, and consumed. As much as some of their intentions are reasonable, such as bolstering the economy, the act of legalizing the substance can induce a series of predicaments in society. As such, legalization of the same should never be considered as an option.

Brain Development

Some proponents also propose the capacity of marijuana to benefit people suffering from mental illnesses. Indeed, when used during pregnancy, marijuana helps to alleviate nausea and extreme vomiting while at the same time helping them maintain an ideal appetite. However, it is also true that marijuana can trigger harmful mental implications for users. Legalizing marijuana will have not only an adverse implication on finances but also the physical and mental development of the users. It is beyond a reasonable doubt that the utility if marijuana by a vast percentage of the populace generally prompts societal disorganization.

In like manner, the substance impairs good relationships among people, thus hindering cooperation at both family and national levels. As much as the argument may not hold water as the contention is a mere fear yet to be proven, the previously articulated implications are enough proof as to why the drug should not be legalized and a basis for developing this argument. The continued use of marijuana predisposes the human brain to adverse structural changes. Besides, the issue may be severe enough to trigger mental illness. In other cases, marijuana impairs IQ, which translates to reduced neuropsychological functioning. In like manner, prolonged use may also induce functional brain impairments (Sagar and Gruber 254). Such is because marijuana can reduce the thickness of the cortex, which entails the outer grey matter of the human brain.

Disproportionate Impacts

The proponents also raise substantial concern over the racial disparities triggered by the integration of stern marijuana laws. As much as the whites and blacks use the substance at almost the same rate, blacks are 3.7 times more likely to be apprehended for the crime in the US than the whites (Thompson 214). In like manner, the radical movements of the 1930s against marijuana merged commendably with the Chicano movement of the same era. In like manner, the Mexican Americans were associated with the substance, and a ban of the same was envisioned as the white man’s ways of deterring the development of the Mexican-American subcultures. Proponents of legalizing marijuana argue that the espoused concerns often had close ties with degeneracy that often hailed from economic depression instead of the use of drugs. Concurrently, compelling facts indicate otherwise. The public popularity of the substance among the white communities in the 1970s and 1960s rendered the drug free from its association with ethnic groups. In like manner, the framework for eradicating marijuana as advocated by various movements of that era was established in a period where the substance was perceived as an infringement in honorable majority white society of the US by Latino and black people, otherwise regarded as oppressed ethnic minorities. As such, the argument does not hold water as a basis for legalizing marijuana.

Creation of Employment

Contenders have also argued that the legalization of marijuana could create employment opportunities for a vast number of people in society. Allowing the cultivation, production, and use of the same could oversee the creation of countless job opportunities for Americans ranging from plantations to production organizations as well as distributing entities. As much as the claim may seem logical, it is imperative to acknowledge that marijuana is a substance or rather a drug that alters the body’s functioning. The users of the drug encounter alterations in their perception of things when under the influence. For instance, mild to moderate cases of consumption can be distorting enough to prompt traffic accidents. Marijuana accounts for one of the drugs that play a major role in road carnages or driver injuries.

Traffic Arrests and Accidents

Intriguingly, legalization proponents contend that DUIs arrests and traffic deaths are not directly proportional to marijuana use. They even contend that such issues may reduce the adoption of friendly measures regarding marijuana use. The contenders further argue that some states like Washington and Colorado have experienced reduced arrests associated with driving under the influence. On the contrary, the legalization of marijuana can potentially impair driving (Manoj Sharma and Mohata 3). Accordingly, Critics of the matter purport that marijuana is a significant contributor to highway accidents, injuries, and crashes. Most importantly, it triggers the visual impairment of the driver as a result of poor brain coordination. Indeed, the driver may also forget the driving basics previously learned hence increasing the risk for severe road accidents.

Miscellaneous

The decision to legalize marijuana in the US as well as around the globe may also induce undesirable consequences related to expenditure and finance. The age factor will not limit the users of the drug. As such, many adults and youths will indulge in malpractice to greater extents until their finances are greatly impacted. In like manner, the nation will also suffer from lowered rates of development, especially concerning family relationships. Besides, irresponsible behavior and laziness may also undermine a significant percentage of workers as a result of using marijuana. As a result, the workforce suffers from poor productivity that further translates to reduced profitability of organizations and lower economic development rates.

Indeed, future policies on drugs must be effective and smart in addressing the demand for illegal substances such as marijuana. The smart initiatives should begin by identifying ways of reducing drug use among the currently addicted populace. Monitoring initiatives have promising results in curbing drug use and improvement rates among criminal offenders. Refraining from drug use alleviates aggravated recidivism rates as well as incarceration. In like manner, the denial to approve marijuana use in the country will play a pivotal role in making highways safer while at the same time reducing the overall drug use. Indeed, the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes would also translate to elevated marijuana use in society instead of its intended purpose to promote health and wellness. Such can farther result in addiction among teenagers as well as adults. The legalization of the drug is not a smart and effective public safety and health strategy for the state.

Conclusion

Some compounds found in marijuana have therapeutic advantages for symptoms of diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis. As such, if the legalization of the substance undertakes a medicinal approach, they must follow all the legal protocols observed by other medications that are prescribed by physicians rather than state legislation or popular vote. Besides, if marijuana is also to be approved for therapeutic reasons, it should also be administered via channels that alleviate long-term health hazards. For instance, oral pills can be provided by regulated pharmacies to ensure appropriate concentration and use. Concurrently, recreational marijuana triggers diverse and adverse implications for the users. Most importantly, the substance is highly addictive and with disturbing withdrawal symptoms. Indeed, it has also been linked with devastating mental health and intelligence implications. That said, driving under the influence of marijuana aggravates the hazard of highway accidents. The legalization of the substance may have unproven social benefits such as local criminal justice policy. However, such advantages are at the expense of public health and social expenditures. It is imperative to consider the pros and cons associated with the subject matter in the bid to make an informed decision.

Works Cited

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4. Palamar, Joseph J., Marybec Griffin-Tomas, and Dimitra Kamboukos. ‘Reasons for recent marijuana use in relation to use of other illicit drugs among high school seniors in the United States.’ The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse 41.4 (2015): 323-331.
5. Ruggeri, David, and Michelle Teti. ‘Marijuana Consumption and Access Among Midwest College Students.’ Education 139.1 (2018): 43-52.
6. Ryan‐Ibarra, Suzanne, Marta Induni, and Danielle Ewing. ‘Prevalence of medical marijuana use in C alifornia, 2012.’ Drug and alcohol review 34.2 (2015): 141-146.
7. Sagar, Kelly A., and Staci A. Gruber. ‘Marijuana matters: reviewing the impact of marijuana on cognition, brain structure and function, & exploring policy implications and barriers to research.’ International Review of Psychiatry 30.3 (2018): 251-267.
8. Thompson, Beverly Yuen. ‘“Good moral characters”: how drug felons are impacted under state marijuana legalization laws.’ Contemporary Justice Review 20.2 (2017): 211-226.
9. Ward, Kyle C., Paul A. Lucas, and Alexandra Murphy. ‘The Impact of Marijuana Legalization on Law Enforcement in States Surrounding Colorado.’ Police Quarterly 22.2 (2019): 217-242.

Marijuana, also named weed, pot, herb, grass, and Mary Jane is a commonly used mixture of the dried flowers of Cannabis Sativa, the plant, it is a globally used psychoactive drug used for recreational and medical purposes worldwide. A psychoactive drug in pharmaceutical terms is a chemical substance that alters brain functionality and results in mental alterations in behavior, mood, consciousness, perception, and awareness. Marijuana users acquire to be one of the largest subcultures in the Unites States since early 21st century America. Marijuana is used by millions of people around the world, either for recreational, spiritual, or therapeutic reasons. Some call themselves the “cannabis connoisseurs”; people who respect cannabis and use it responsibly. Few drugs have been so politicized recently as marijuana has. It is frequently praised by one side and condemned by the other, on the basis of emotional issues rather than an objective view of research. Cannabis remains both one of the safest intoxicants and one of the most versatile medicines in the world. Marijuana users and the industry have been commonly portrayed negatively through media throughout history

Guzman, Raymond “Beans”. Personal Interview 16 October 2019: Marijuana users are often portrayed as good-for-nothing criminals with psychological addiction, mental health issues, and with the inevitable abuse of other illegal drugs. Although with their recent efforts of the legalization of marijuana due to the plants capabilities to heal the ill in the medical field, marijuana users can be seen proactive as well. Marijuana has long been celebrated in the world of music and song. In the world of movies and TV, meanwhile, the majority of cannabis-loving people tend to be in somewhere between bumbling idiots and dangerous outcasts as portrayed throughout the media.

This divide in media representation stretches all the way back to 1936. That was the year a hit jazz song called ‘If You’re a Viper’ provided a positive view of marijuana use that stated, ‘you know you’re high when your throat is dry / everything is dandy’. Marijuana users can be seen as proactive with the disregard of social media portration, marijuana users are often pushing towards the legalization of the drug due to its positive impacts on mental and physical health in the medical field, and its impact on the U.S. economy. In 2015, “Colorado collected more than $135 million in taxes and fees on medical and recreational marijuana. Sales in the state totaled over $996 million. Sales in North America grew 30%, to $6.7 billion, in 2016, and is projected to increase to $20.1 billion by 2021” (ArcView Market Research). The Marijuana industry has been commonly portrayed throughout media in the U.S. as a lazy, criminalistic group of individuals when In reality the inevitability of the economic impact the industry has on the U.S. economy is not to be ignored.

Gomez, Ricardo. Personal Interview 17 October 2019: Marijuana users have been commonly portrayed throughout social media as lazy criminals with little to no good intent for themselves or for the world. There is a common misconception that marijuana does no good for the world but rather has been commonly associated with criminal activity and violence throughout America. The common false representation of marijuana users can be seen in the media consistently representing marijuana as a dangerous substance that leads to issues with psychological addiction, drug lords, mental problems and inevitable abuse of other drugs. For example, the movie Cheech and Chong, probably one of the most essential marijuana-related comedy movies, paints users as less intelligent or competent after using the drug. Movies like such are key factors in the misrepresentation of the Marijuana culture through media. There is also an unspoken side, the mental health affects marijuana can have on users positively. “Honestly, I’ve dealt with some mental issues myself, this **it just medicates me, it’s like I escape from whatever it is I’m feeling or is giving me pain, it’s why I do it” says Ricardo.

A common platform contributing to the misrepresentation of Marijuana users and marijuana culture is the use of television shows and movies; the media. The media consistently represents marijuana as a dangerous substance that leads to issues with psychological addiction, drug lords, mental problems and inevitable abuse of other drugs. One of the most iconic examples of the referral to marijuana as a “gateway drug” was Dick Harrison on “90210.” His marijuana use led to his abuse of and eventual overdose on heroin. The show “Weeds,” which aired on Showtime from 2005 to 2012, features a widowed mother of two children who starts selling marijuana in her suburban neighborhood in order to provide for her family. She is a prime example of the depiction of marijuana users or sellers who end up in life-threatening trouble with drug lords or other unrealistically angry users as a result of their association with the drug. However, instead of taking the opportunity to examine flaws in the United States economic system that drive single mothers, or other Americans, to turn to illegal activities to stay afloat, the show focuses on the legality and danger of the use and sale of marijuana. The media paints marijuana as a drug that will inevitably lead to the destruction of lives, instead of as a viable recreational substance with potentially positive health benefits.

Although the Marijuana industry and its users/participants have been commonly portrayed throughout media as a good-for-nothing industry that promotes violence and criminalistic behavior in users, there are in reality a vast variety of unspoken benefits towards the U.S. economy and the medical benefits of marijuana that are absent in the media. The Marijuana industry is actually a thriving lucrative business that contributes to over $20 Billion U.S. dollars fluctuated across the U.S economy on a legal scale. Current media representation simply perpetuates the stigma, adding nothing but fallacy to the national debate. There is ample pushback against the idea of legalizing marijuana across the country. Critics cite the potential for confusion among law enforcement officers aiming to keep up with shifting regulations, a concern about increased homelessness or youth use of the drug, the potential for decreased property values, and much more. Some are opposed to changing the regulatory status of marijuana simply because it means a change to the status quo. All of these reasons combine to decrease the likelihood that marijuana will become legal at a national level any time soon. The media continues to negatively portray users and the industry despite the legalization of the drug in many states and its positive effect on mental health and the U.S. economy.

The likely odds are that from a young age, parents and teachers gave horror stories about the nature and effects of marijuana. The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) is a Florida based medical organization that has, for years, been fighting the biased mindset surrounding the drug. The average American voter is not concerned with the scientific rationale behind the calls for legalization. To them, marijuana is a hard drug that poses significant public and health risks, especially for the youth. Marijuana is documented to have harmful effects on the memory and emotions if smoked in excess with no underlying medical basis. However, the drug is also documented to have beneficial pharmaceutical effects for persons suffering from low-functioning autism, glaucoma, and epilepsy, amongst many other medical conditions. The Floridian card registry system employed by OMMU has enabled the responsible medical consumption of cannabis in the state. Under the policy, Americans can be guaranteed the ethical production and marketing of cannabis. The card registry system represents an intelligent approach to legalizing medical marijuana use as part of maximizing the economic value of the emerging industry segment.

There is overwhelming economic evidence on why the legalization of weed should be nationwide. According to the federal annual financial report for 2015, Colorado generated more than $135 million in taxes from the recreational and medical use of marijuana (Monte, Heard, and Zane 1). Total sales surpassed $990 million in 2015, which implies marijuana is now an over a billion-dollar market in the state. In the following year, sales grew by 30%, with estimates reaching the $20 billion mark by 2020 (Monte, Heard, and Zane 1). Research studies from Colorado State University claim that legal cannabis has contributed over $58 million to the state economy. The legalization of weed will promote the creation of marijuana nurseries and dispensaries. Not only will the stores create employment opportunities for locals but also improved cash flow in the towns. Nevada based Marijuana Policy Group believes legalization can support nearly 40000 jobs generating over $1.7 billion in labor income annually (Monte, Heard, and Zane 1). More employment opportunities imply improved family income and associated lifestyles.

Marijuana is a game-changing pharmaceutical component in pain management therapies and drugs. While a person might be healthy today, the case might be different tomorrow. There is a large pool of medical patients who rely on cannabis for pain relief and improved motor functioning. According to scientific research, the cannabidiol (CBD) constituent of cannabis helps prevent brain seizures, tumor growth, and reduce nausea, anxiety, and depression (Pacula and Smart 407). CBD is not psychoactive, meaning the consumer does not get the ‘high’ associated with the adverse effects. The registry system already oversees the consumption of legal CBD oil for medical purposes in eleven states. THC, the psychoactive constituent of cannabis, equally has its medicinal benefits. The compound improves breathing in persons with respiratory disorders, such as asthma (Pacula and Smart 407). The component is known to enhance human metabolism and provide a therapeutic high to individuals dealing with pain and post-traumatic stress. Making marijuana more widespread across America will alleviate the medical challenges of so many people, changing their lives for the better.

Legalizing marijuana is part and process of refining the United States’ criminal justice system. When considering the economic implications of legalizing cannabis, revenue saved is as significant as revenue generated. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the justice system spends around $3.6 billion annually in federal marijuana enforcement (Pacula and Smart 403). By legalizing marijuana, the drug will be erased from the controlled-substance list, which means less number of cases will be reaching the trial stage. Marijuana is currently categorized as a schedule 1 substance, which are compounds that the government perceives as most dangerous (Monte, Heard, and Zane 1). Rationale dictates that fewer number of court cases results in a declining incarceration rate. The criminal justice system will spend less on rehabilitating prisoners caught for marijuana possession and distribution. For the liberal thinker, more significant is that legalization will address the imbalanced incarceration of persons from minority communities for drug-related offenses. There is a xenophobic connotation to the use of marijuana that has, for decades, led to the bias persecution of African Americans in the United States. Legalization will help counter such negative racial animus.

The success of OMMU’s card registry system in Florida illustrates that there is an effective way to regulate the consumption of marijuana on a nation-wide basis. By making medicinal cannabis a ubiquitous service in America, people will benefit from a better alternative to traditional medicine. Pot represents a revolutionary pharmaceutical resource for pain management therapies. Not only will legalization improve general public health but also national economic growth. Legal trade of the drug promises increased revenue generation and family income at the national level. Lastly, legalization will help address the sociopolitical bias within the criminal justice system that, for decades, has purported the imprisonment of African Americans for minor drug-related offenses. The primary constraint to all the benefits as mentioned earlier is the lack of federal legislation that oversees the controlled production and consumption of the drug on a nation-wide basis. With a proven registry system, the average voter is guaranteed ethical production and consumption of the substance.

Works Cited

1. Monte, Andrew, Kennon Heard, and Richard Zane. The Implications of Marijuana Legalization in Colorado. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), vol. 313, no. 3, 2014, pp. 1-3.
2. Pacula, Rosalie and Rosanna Smart. Medical Marijuana and Marijuana Legalization. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, vol. 13, 2017, pp. 397-419.

“In strict medical terms marijuana is far safer than many foods we commonly consume. For example, eating 10 raw potatoes can result in a toxic response. By comparison, it is physically impossible to eat enough marijuana to induce death. Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analysis marijuana can be safely used within the supervised routine of medical care.” (HON. FRANCIS YOUNG – DEA ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE – 1988). A controversy that has been ongoing in the United State is the legalization of marijuana. What started as something involved in the “Just say no” campaign has rapidly become something that ⅔ of Americans (Pew Research Center) now believe should be legalized. With these numbers, round 59% say marijuana should be legalized for both recreational and medicinal use. For those wanting legalization for medical use alone, the number stands around 32% (Pew Research Center). As of now, the U.S. has a mix of fully legal, fully illegal and mixed through the states. As of October 2019, 12 states are fully legal, 10 are fully illegal and 28 are mixed (DISA.com). Full legalization of marijuana will prove to help the economy, benefit the medical needs, free up scarce police resources and reduce the lifetime of financial penalties.

There are many economic benefits to legalizing marijuana. To begin with, there will be an additional tax revenue. The revenue from Colorado alone has proven this. For both recreational and medicinal marijuana, Colorado brought in a little over 135 million dollars in both taxes and fees in 2016. This amount comes from sales that totaled around 996 million dollars (Investopedia). When a state as large as California is looked at, the numbers are believed to be around 15 billion in sales. From this number, a tax revenue of 3 billion dollars (Investopedia). Talk about helping the economy! Canada took the jump in legalizing marijuana and they are estimated to be a 5 billion dollar industry by 2020 (nytimes).

The creation of jobs is something that always helps to boost the economy. Legalizing marijuana means creating more jobs. A study done for the state of Nevada shows that a little more than 41,000 jobs have the potential to be created by 2024. In California, that number reaches 81,000. A report done by New Frontier states that by 2025, there could potentially be as many as 1.1 million jobs created. (Investopedia)

Legalizing marijuana allows for those interested in investing to jump on an opportunity. When something is legal on the national level, opportunities are opened. Companie can begin to have stock in the item which opens up to those who want to put money into that item. This is where investors come into the picture. And we all know how much investments help to grow the economy.

Another benefit to legalizing marijuana is the positive effects it has in the medical world. Now, more than ever, there is a war on prescription and recreational drug use. Many drugs labeled “prescription” have serious side effects, including death. The cost alone for prescription drugs are sky high. People struggle daily to afford the amount that these drug companies place on the price. Even more disturbing is the fact that due to many of these pain killers being “addictive”, there are limits to the refills that a patient can have, which lead to them needing to find pain relief by any means necessary. The risks from painkiller range from physical dependency to death. When marijuana is used as a painkiller, we see a very different outcome. For starters, when used medicinally, it has very little, if any, amounts of THC in it. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol which is what allows for the “high” through marijuana (health-harvard med. marijuana). What still remains is the cannabidiol, or CBD. The positives that have been documented from the use of CBD range from helping those struggling with sleep, to helping with epilepsy (a life threatening condition) and lessening the effects of chemo. When it comes to pain control, studies are showing the hugh positive impact the use of marijuana has. Especially in those suffering from chronic pain. In the cases of those who have nerve issues and/or pain, many of the drugs that exist sedate the patient entirely too much. Many who use marijuana in these cases claim to be able to go back to what they were doing without feeling as if they are unattached (health harvard med-marijuana). A powerful pain relieving drug that is causing an alarming number is called Fentanyl. The number of deaths that have come from this drug are devastating. “Fentanyl kills 11 Canadians a day…marijuana does not.” (nytimes). When helping multiple sclerosis, patients are finding relief from nerve pain. This disease destroys nerves, sometimes even leaves a person paralyzed. People with MS are in a constant state of pain. Those that have the devastating news of being diagnosed with cancer and have to go through the grueling and intense wear and tear of chemotherapy, have found comfort in medical marijuana. From helping with nausea, loss of appetite and pain relief. Yes, there are numerous drugs on the market that are currently being used for these issues, some are even being researched to find better drugs. Why are we continuing to spend millions of dollars on something where we have to continue to experiment and put those already in pain on some sort of “trial” to see how the drug works? We have a natural, perfectly harmless drug out there in CBD and it has been proven to help with all these issues. This comes from a study by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. (market watch). Could it be that there is so much money wrapped up in criminalizing marijuana and that the drug and insurance companies enjoy the money they make off of all these drugs that seem to destroy? Could be. But when we have a natural drug choice, every avenue should be tried to allow for an individual to have this option.

THC and CBD are the 2 main drugs in the marijuana plant. According to the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse), THC has been shown to help with both nausea and loss of appetite. It has also been shown to improve the control of muscles and reduce swelling. (drugabuse.gov). Some argue this because the THC is where the “high” comes from so they say it is not helpful. Well, remove the THC and you have the CBD left. What is interesting when this happens is that pain and inflammation are still reduced, epleptc seizures are more controlled, and pain is still drastically reduced (drugabuse.gov). In studies done on animals, rodents in particular, show that brain tumor cancer cells seem to have a slower growth rate when exposed to extracts from the marijuana plant (drugabuse.gov).

When it comes down to reasons people use marijuana for medical use, a new study shows that over 62% are treating chronic pain with it. The issue with the opioid epidemic is highly blames on the addictive properties in them and the increasing number of people with chronic pain. Marijuana does not seem to have the addictive property that these other drugs have, so why are we so afraid to use it? Research done by the Journal Health Affairs shows that using medical marijuana is both afer and a more successful treatment option then the use of opioids. (healthline.com). When it comes to the number of overdoses with cannabis, where are they? Relatively nowhere to be found. Opioids, however, were responsible for 33,091 deaths in 2015 according to the CDC (healthline.com).

The war on drugs is one that is being fought harder everyday. And with the growing number of police shortages being experienced, we need the little number of police we have for hard drugs and serious crime. It appears that marijuana use and possession is one of the main arrests. Drug arrests have increased each year from 2015 to 2018 while those arrested for violent crimes have decreased. (nytimes). When one thinks about that, it probably sounds ridiculous. For a little more than 10 years, the main reason people are being arrest is drug use. The main drug involved is marijuana.(nytimes) Tell me, what harm is marijuana actually doing? Shouldn’t our resources be spent on actual criminals. What crime is truy coming out of marijuana use? Do we hear of overdoses or murders? Not really. Are people killing people in vehicles because they are under the influence of marijuana? Very rarely do we hear of crime dealing with marijuana. Are people overdosing on marijuana? The answer is almost always no! Yet we continue to waste what little police resources we have on arresting those using marijuana. What’s sad about this is that most of the arrests being made involve a small amount of amrijuana (nytimes.com) Even more upsetting is after the arrests are made, a large number are dismissed, never even making it to trial. Since 2017, DC had around 2 dozen raids. From those, a little over 250 were arrested. Out of those arrests, “prosecutors later dropped more than 80 percent of those cases.” (nbcwashington). Even more startling was that the leftover obes consisted of only 3 cases that actually made it to trial. Think of the hours spent by police in those 250 arrest and seeing only 3 go to trial. Obviously they may say that marjuana i bad but with many cases being dropped, it appears that even the law feels it is so very minor. Think about the tax dollars that American citizens are wasting on resources that are being used to arrest many only to see them be released.

We all know police dollars are funded through tax payers. It is said that each year, 3.6 billion is spent on seeing marijuana laws through. It is estimated that yearly arrests total 820,000 (insider.com). What harm were those in possession of the marijuana truly inflicting on others? What a waste of money and resources of the police department.

An interesting number is one from those arrested for possession of marijuana. A startling 90% have a clean conviction record before their first arrest (insider.com). A person’s future financial life is put in jeopardy through something that should be legalized. Studies show that about 1.53 million dollars is earned over the lifetime of someone with a highschool degree. When someone has a record, it is estimated they will lose 360,000 dollars over their lifetime. Lets face it, when having a record, even a clean one before a marijuana conviction, finding a job is a struggle. Especially if you want a well paying job. Research shows that no matter the crime, having a “record” “reduces callbacks from prospective employers by around 50%. (insider.com). Most employers will not bother to see what that “record” is for. They simply just want to go to the next “clean” person. This means that a person with an actual crime on their record may be treated the same as a person convicted of carrying a small amount of marijuana in their pocket. With marijuana being legal now in some cases, there are people who still struggle with having something on their record that is now considered legal. Expunging the records of those with past marijuana convictions is something the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) has been pushing for. Even in states where it has been legalized, people with convictions are still experiencing the effects. Policies are being created to help those hide or expunge their record. In 2018, Amol Sinha, ACLU-NJ Executive Director, said “Forcing people to bear the consequences of a criminal conviction for an offense that’s no longer considered a crime simply prolongs the injustices of the failed, discriminatory drug war.” (insider.com)

Rising economic benefits, advances in the medical field, freeing up police resources and improving lifetime penalties are all positive reasons that need to be taken into consideration to support full marijuana legalization. The more we fight it, the more damage we do. We saw this first hand from the years during prohibition. With proper education, the benefits of marijuana legalization far outweigh the cons.

There is a significant public health problem in America that is causing mass devastation. Ironically, it is administered by your healthcare providers. The culprit is opioid addiction. There have been some efforts to curb this epidemic. Andrew Yang has offered many solutions in his presidential campaign. But despite the attempts to stop this epidemic, Andrew Rogers, who is a doctoral student in clinical psychology who works in the UH Anxiety and Health Research Laboratory and its Substance Use Treatment Clinic says that opioids are still the most widely prescribed class of medications. Opioids help treat chronic pain and contain chemicals that relax the body and treat moderate to severe pain. The effects of opioids are an important factor in understanding this epidemic. The opioid epidemic has resulted in over 7,200 deaths in 2017 according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Many believe that legalizing Marijuana could help with this epidemic and reduce the use of opioids due to Marijuana being able to help with chronic pain. States like Illinois and New York passed the legalization of medical marijuana so that it would be more accessible to those who have opioid prescriptions. However, Marijuana should not be the sole candidate to solve the opioid crisis. Co-occurring marijuana and opioids could be detrimental to society and we should not rely on a drug to solve another drug problem.

Marijuana has been celebrated for its relaxing effects and is currently being pushed in many states to be legalized not only medically but also recreationally. It has garnered a lot of attention in the chronic pain area of medicine. Andrew Rogers, who is clinical psychologist said that more individuals have been using marijuana to manage pain. “Increasing numbers of individuals use marijuana to manage chronic pain. Co-use of substances generally is associated with poorer outcomes than single substance use.” (Rogers). Replacing evidence-based opioid addiction treatments like methadone and buprenorphine with Marijuana could be lethal to the recovery of the addiction. Jonathan Stea who is a practicing clinical psychologist who specializes in treatments for coexisting addictive and psychiatric disorders says from a medical standpoint, it would be unethical to replace the treatment with Marijuana due to the inconsistent data compared to treatments that have been tested before.

The main reason for making medical marijuana an option to get rid of opioid addiction in America is that marijuana can help with chronic pain. “While less than 8 percent of chronic pain patients become addicted to opioids, people who experience opioid addiction have higher rates of chronic pain compared to the general population.” (Stea). Despite many people’s belief, marijuana is almost ineffective and weak for severe chronic pain (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre). This research implies that people who experience chronic pain and opioid addiction would most likely not be saved by marijuana and would need to rely on other methods and treatments for chronic pain management.

Not only is marijuana ineffective for severe chronic pain management but also a researcher from the University of Houston has found that adults who take prescribed opioids for their chronic pain are more likely to have increased depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues if they use marijuana as well. Andrew Rodgers surveyed 450 adults who experienced chronic pain for more than three months. His study showed that not only were there elevated anxiety and depression symptoms, but more common use with tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, and sedative who used Marijuana with their opioids compared to those who only used opioids. There was no increased pain reduction reported in his research. He also claims that co-using opioids and marijuana is generally associated with poorer outcomes than single-use and little work has been done to examine the impact of mixing opioids and marijuana.

There have been claims coming to surface that there is a link between the usage of marijuana and lower rates of fatal opioid overdoses from 1999 to 2010 in states that legalized medical marijuana. A new study found similar results in 2014 that there was a 21% decrease in opioid mortality for every 100,000 people in the population where medical marijuana is legalized (Rapaport). Researchers found that deaths from opioids are decreased by 33% in 13 states in the six years after medical marijuana was legalized. They determined this by looking at death certificate data across all 50 states between 1999 and 2010. Only 13 states had medical marijuana legalized. Researchers claim to see that the rates of overdoses were significantly lower that has legalized marijuana laws in place. The researchers say that there have been 1,700 fewer opiate-related overdose deaths. 60% of fatal overdoses happen with patients who have an authorized prescription for their medication. Authorized opiate users can significantly decrease his or her dosage in states where medical marijuana is legalized, making overdosing less likely to occur (American Addiction Centers Editorial Staff).

Nathan Chan, an assistant professor in the resource economics department at the University of Massachusetts claims to have found that the mortality rates of opioid users have decreased. They estimated that recreational marijuana laws would reduce opioid mortality in the range of 20%-35%. However, if their research they stated that their study does not allow them to pinpoint the precise mechanism for the reduction in mortality (Chan). Lisa Rapaport who is a freelance journalist on health science claims that a new study looked from 1999 to 2017 they found that there was a 23% increase in opioid overdoses that were states that passed medical marijuana laws. Like the 2014 study that I stated earlier, new analysis cannot show whether people are using marijuana as an alternative for pain relief or recreational. Those studies were not designed to determine the effectiveness or safety of medical marijuana for any specific health issues. Chelsea Shover who is the lead study author of Stanford University School of Medicine in California stated, “With the benefit of a longer time span we conclude that medical cannabis laws do not seem to have reduced opioid overdose mortality at the population level,” (Rapaport). Shover goes on to say that there are shared characteristics between those 13 states like incarceration of drug users, more availability of treatment for opioid addiction, and availability of the overdose reversal drug naloxone explain the data they found. We must also consider that expanding access to naloxone is a short term solution and we instead need to provide treatment services to individuals with all forms of addiction to prevent future overdose cases. But since almost every state has passed a version of medical marijuana law, we can see how it plays out in a more representative group (Rapaport).

Another study that was conducted wanted to compare the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients that had the opioid drug disorder. However, they concluded that they need to further investigate whether the effects of marijuana used on patients that have an opioid addiction are counterbalanced by the potential benefits of reduced opioid prescribing (Aquino). This furthers the argument that it is too soon to tell if marijuana is really helping or if it negatively impacting the progress.

Lastly, using marijuana as treatment has not reduced the use of opioids. Marijuana should not be treated as the only solution to the opioid crisis. Using marijuana and opioids simultaneously would have detrimental effects on the progression of figuring out this crisis. The point of co-using Marijuana and opioids was to decrease the need for opioids. Though it did prevent people from overdosing, the users are still addicted and overprescribed. Once they run out of Marijuana or cannot afford to get more, the likelihood of them overdosing increases dramatically. However, Marijuana could help with opioid addiction symptoms like withdrawals and cravings.

As stated earlier, states including New York and Illinois have legalized medical marijuana to make it more accessible to people who have prescribed opioids as a treatment option for addiction. Critics like the American Society of Addiction Medication argue that there has not been enough evidence gathered yet to support or promote cannabis as a treatment option. There have not been randomized controlled trials or rigorous research methodologies that evaluate Marijuana as a treatment option (Marijuana Is Not a Public Health Solution to the Opioid Crisis). Studies that are done at a state level cannot conclude individual behaviors. We must watch out for the ecological fallacy.

We still need more resources and solutions to the opioid problem instead of making Marijuana the sole solution to this crisis. The notion that having better access to Marijuana will help America shed its current opioid crisis does not have any scientific merit. It distracts from implementing a long term solution that has evidence-based strategies. It is a multilayered and multi-causal problem that demands an equally multi-pronged solution instead of a duct tape solution. The cause of opioid addiction is not just from one source but multiple like biological, psychological and social factors. Therefore, we need effective and innovative treatments that are evidence-based psychological and pharmacological treatments. It also has to be easily accessible to everyone for it to reach its full potential. We should look more into finding more solutions to this epidemic and establish more restrictions on the drugs. Instead of ignoring and downplaying the problem we need to remove the stigma of opioid misuses and addictions to be able to correctly fix our future healthcare system. The annual number of opioid overdose deaths is expected to increase by 150% between 2015 and 2025 (Marijuana Is Not a Public Health Solution to the Opioid Crisis). This data shows how urgent this crisis is and to be able to move forward we must let go of what we want and instead take into account what research shows. “We need to help our neighbors, friends, and colleagues get judgment-free treatment and overcome the stigma associated with it,” John Gale says, who is Rural Health Research r senior research associate. “These folks deserve a second chance to get their lives back.” (Rural Horizons).

Over the course of several years, there has been a debate about whether the United States should legalize the usage of marijuana. As of right now, thirty-three states have decriminalized or legalized marijuana use (Speights, 2018). The decriminalization of the substance indicates that criminal penalties administered are not necessarily harsh. For example, a fine may be imposed instead of an arrest. Oregon was the first to decriminalize the personal usage of marijuana (Speights, 2018). The legalization of the substance grants individuals the ability to freely possess and use marijuana without fear of consequences. In 1996, California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana while Colorado and Washington were the first states to legalize recreational marijuana in 2012 (Speights, 2018). Despite the fact that thirty-three states have decriminalized or legalized medical and recreational marijuana, marijuana remains illegal federally. With it remaining illegal federally, the government can still prosecute those found in violation of federal law even if the state allows the usage. Contrary to the growing desire for the legalization of marijuana, I do not believe that it should be legalized, at least not recreationally. The lack of desire for the legalization of recreational marijuana stems from concern of human development, business regulations, and harm of the environment.

Human Development

First, as a psychology major, one learns about the effects of using illicit drugs on human development. Studies suggest that the usage of marijuana has a detrimental effect on one’s development, especially if the usage began during adolescence. After the use of marijuana was legalized in Colorado, there was an increase in young adult usage. From 2013 to 2014, in Colorado, usage of marijuana from ages eighteen to twenty-five included 43.95% of their population (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics, 2016). From 2014 to 2015, in Colorado, usage of marijuana from ages eighteen to twenty-five rose to include 45.24% of their population (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics, 2016). When compared to the national average of teenage – twelve to seventeen – use, both Colorado and Alaska, legal states, reported higher marijuana usage (SAMHSA Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality & RTI International, 2017). From 2015 to 2016, the national average was reported to be 12.29%; Colorado reported 16.21% and Alaska reported 18.86% (SAMHSA Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality & RTI International, 2017). Marijuana usage is especially detrimental for the individuals in the age groups listed above because the brain is not fully developed until the age of about twenty-five. One may claim that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol because of issues such as alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and higher death rates; however, it does not negate the detrimental consequences of marijuana, especially long-term effects.

Because the brain is still under construction, it is highly susceptible to damage caused by the exposure to drugs. Some immediate detrimental effects are a decreased memory function and ability to learn, short attention span, lack of motor skills, and an increase in reaction time. In addition to the immediate effects one may experience, there are long term consequences of prolonged and heavy use of marijuana. A longitudinal study conducted by Duke University Psychologists in Australia concluded that continuous and heavy marijuana use was linked to a regression in one’s IQ (Meier, et al., 2012). The tracking of marijuana usage was from age eighteen to thirty-eight, and the participants were intellectually tested at ages thirteen and thirty-eight (Meier, et al., 2012). Over that fifteen-year time span, an average of six IQ points was lost (Meier, et al., 2012). Another study conducted by Dr. Rocio Martin-Santos of the University of Barcelona found that persistent marijuana usage led to structural brain abnormalities; one of those brain abnormalities is damage of white matter in the brain (Weir, 2015). Another psychologist, Dr. Staci Gruber, found that the damage of the white matter led to higher impulsivity among those who began smoking at the age of sixteen (2014). For reasons such as these, one would conclude that the partaking in marijuana can be detrimental to the development of humans.

Business Regulations

Second, the legalization of marijuana raises questions about safety regarding potential accidents due to being under the influence on the job. According to a study conducted on postal workers by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, employees who had positive marijuana drug tests had 55% more industrial accidents and 85% more injuries while on the job than those who tested negative (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019). Such accidents are a result of adverse effects like impaired thinking, decreased concentrations, slower reaction times which were mentioned earlier. To prevent potential accidents caused by employees who may be under the influence of marijuana, two construction companies in Colorado, have resorted to hiring from out of state (Op/Ed, 2015). They have had too many candidates who have failed the drug test needed to obtain the job (Op/Ed, 2015). Because of the extra safety precautions needed to be taken to be a construction worker, these companies cannot take the risk of hiring individuals who use marijuana. Accidents, injuries, and hiring out of state create a financial burden for those company owners. Another financial burden caused by legalization is loss of productivity.

Legalization concerns productivity of those who are under the influence on the job. The same study on postal workers conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse concluded that those who tested positive for marijuana had 75% greater absenteeism than that of those who tested negative (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2019). Absenteeism refers to an individual’s decision to not come into work consistently (‘Absenteeism’, 2012). Absenteeism and decrease in productivity while under the influence of marijuana can be linked to marijuana’s ability to inhibit dopamine (Bergland, 2016). Dopamine is a chemical in the brain which solicits motivation (Bergland, 2016). During a study, dopamine was being seen to be inhibited in the striatum of the brain (Bergland, 2016). When inhibited in the striatum, there was a lack of memory, attention, and high impulsivity (Bergland, 2016). With a decrease of flow in one’s dopamine levels, they are less inclined to do the work required of them. Some may say that drug testing is a solution which could prevent accidents and loss in productivity. Notwithstanding, testing for marijuana is trivial.

Most businesses have a zero-tolerance policy; however, with legalization, the policy becomes contradictory of the states’ privilege. The legalization of marijuana calls into question the efficiency of drug testing. In 2012, workers who tested positive for marijuana was 3.5%; in 2013, there was an increase in positive tests to 3.7% (Partnership News Service, 2014). In Colorado and Washington, workers who tested positive for marijuana went up 20% and 23% respectively (Partnership News Service, 2014). In contrast to alcohol, determining when an individual utilized marijuana is more tedious because of various factors such as how the drug was ingested – inhaled, oral consumption, or topical – or one’s tolerance. A drug test can not explicitly determine whether the use of marijuana was conducted on or off the job; therefore, the argument of utilizing drug tests to ensure usage does not take place on the job is not a sufficient argument.

Harm of The Environment

Finally, the belief that marijuana should not be legalized also stems from the harm it would cause the environment. Recently, the world has begun talking about climate change in a more serious light. While some still consider such a concept a myth, there are others, like myself, who believe it is a true phenomenon. There are regions suffering from wildfires, floods, tsunamis, droughts, and much more. One may say, “it is just plant.” Be though as it may, the few studies conducted show that if we add marijuana into our list of items that need to be cultivated, it will add to the detriment that is climate change. From 2012 to 2016, California’s marijuana farms expanded by 58% allowing the production of plants to increase by 183% (Helmer, 2019) With the expansion in California and even Colorado, there was an increase in water usage, decrease in wildlife, and the creation of massive electricity usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

Indoor cultivation demands a massive amount of lighting, heating, and ventilation. According to Dr. Evan Mills of the University of California at Berkeley, the indoor production of marijuana makes up “approximately 1% of national electricity consumption—or the output of 7 large electric power plants” (‘A Booming Cannabis Industry: But at What (Energy) Cost?’, 2018). In Denver, Colorado, indoor cultivation accounted for about 45% of the city’s energy (‘A Booming Cannabis Industry: But at What (Energy) Cost?’, 2018). That is a large sum of electricity for a “plant.” The large sum of energy then raises questions about greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere; they prevent heat produced by sunlight from exiting the atmosphere (‘Overview of Greenhouse Gases’, 2019). Annually, the production of greenhouse gas emissions from marijuana cultivation is approximately equal to the emissions of three million vehicles (Hansen, 2017). Scientists suggest moving marijuana production outdoors to reduce electricity usage and the emission of greenhouse gasses (‘A Booming Cannabis Industry: But at What (Energy) Cost?’, 2018). However, research shows that moving production outside produces horrendous effects as well.

When harvesting marijuana in California, most is grown in watersheds. On a daily basis, each plant requires approximately twenty-two liters of water (Helmer, 2019). This water is typically being collected from surrounding rivers and streams which reduces water from other agriculture and wildlife. In fact, in the summer, California routinely sees a shortage in Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout because the streams and rivers runs dry (Helmer, 2019). When marijuana growers want to do so under the radar, they choose to cultivate in public lands which disturbs wildlife habitats. A study conducted in California between 2006 and 2011, found that 79% of deceased fishers, a mammal, had been exposed to pesticides present at those unpermitted cultivation sites (Helmer, 2019). Other animals such as coyotes, deer, and owls had also fallen victim to those pesticides (Helmer, 2019). The destruction of habitats and the death of species is hardly worth the breeding of plants, which does not benefit the land, but rather just provides pleasure for people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the points discussed were provided to thwart the idea of complete marijuana legalization. As explained throughout this debate, although legalized by individual states, the increase in marijuana production has caused obvious detrimental effects. Upon legalization, the state has provided individuals with choices such as sacrificing their intelligence for momentary pleasure. Legalizing marijuana has created financial burdens for businesses as they must be able to protect against workplace incidents and injuries. It also harms the profits of the company as employees do not work to the best of their ability and routinely miss work. Finally, legalizing the substance is disrespectful to the land which it is planted on, the resources needed for it to sustain, and the animals that are murdered for its preservation. Mutualism does not appear to be a characteristic of the relationship between marijuana production and these three realms. If legalization continues on this track, human development, businesses, and the environment will continue to suffer and will do so on a much greater scale.