Argument Against the Legalization of Marijuna Essay Example

examination or scrutiny. It remains uncertain whether these individuals used marijuana before their illness or in combination with other medications, underwent recent medical examinations, are rationalizing their marijuana use, experiencing a placebo effect, or simply feeling the intoxicating effects of smoking marijuana. However, the main psychoactive component in marijuana (THC) can be legally obtained in pharmaceutical capsule form by prescription from a doctor. Marinol (also referred to as the drug Marinol) is rarely prescribed due to its potential adverse effects and the availability of more effective medications. Unlike raw marijuana, Marinol consists of a single pure FDA-approved pharmaceutical with known dosages that has undergone extensive research analysis.Marijuana is an unstable mixture of over 400 chemicals, including potentially toxic psychoactive chemicals at uncontrolled strengths. The manufacturers of Marinol, Roxane Laboratories, do not agree with marijuana supporters who claim that THC is safe. The Physician's Desk Reference includes warnings about the adverse effects of Marinol. Using a substance as medicine is not recommended if it involves smoking, lacks FDA approval, contains various chemicals, and is self-prescribed by patients.
For two decades, the federal government has determined that smoking marijuana has no medical value and can harm health. This conclusion has been reached by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Public Health Service. A 1994 decision from a U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, DC also upheld this finding.
Nowadays, pro-marijuana advocates are focusing on state and local governments as they were unsuccessful in convincing the federal government about the legitimacy of using marijuana as medicine. However, upon careful examination of their legislative or ballot proposals, it becomes clear that their aim is to

undermine the enforcement of most marijuana laws effectively.The proposals suggest that it would be easier to obtain and use marijuana, which is crude and intoxicating, compared to harmless low-level prescription drugs. According to major medical and health organizations, smoking marijuana is not considered safe or effective as a medicine. These organizations include the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, National Sclerosis Association, American Glaucoma Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute, National Cancer Institute, National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Dental Research,andtheNationalInstituteonAllergyandInfectiousDiseases. Numerous studies have documented the harmful physical and psychological effects of smoking marijuana including premature cancer development, addiction, impaired coordination and perception, mental disorders such as depression and increased aggressiveness, apathy, memory loss,reproductive disabilities , immune system impairment , airway injuries ,and other issues associated with intoxication.Some individuals who advocate for marijuana argue that laws against alcohol and drugs are ineffective, using the example of prohibition in the early 1900s. Prohibition had a significant impact on alcohol use, leading to a drastic reduction in consumption, related deaths, and hospital admissions for alcohol-related illnesses by about 50 percent. However, it was ultimately repealed due to lack of public support because alcohol had already become an integral part of everyday life at the time. In contrast, drugs have not been widely integrated into our daily routines and more than 80 percent of Americans support drug prohibition. The belief that legalizing marijuana would decrease crime rates and alleviate prison overcrowding is unfounded. Out of the annual 12 million arrests, only 1 million are related to drug violations and just 12 percent of those arrested for drug offenses end up in

prison. Many incarcerated criminals have extensive criminal records spanning various offenses; therefore, even if marijuana were legalized, they would likely continue their illicit activities to meet financial needs such as rent or buying clothes and cars.Although the legalization of marijuana may lead to a decrease in arrests due to changes in the criminal code, it is unlikely to significantly reduce overall criminal activity. The Netherlands is often regarded as a successful example of marijuana legalization; however, it has faced challenges such as increased crime rates, reliance on welfare, unemployment, and an influx of drug addicts from other countries seeking drug consumption opportunities. It is also mistakenly believed that legalizing marijuana would save at least $20 billion annually by reallocating law enforcement funds. Yet, this assumption overlooks the potential costs associated with distribution, regulation, and control of legal drugs — costs that can be substantial based on past experiences with alcohol. Considering the government's inefficiency with spending, it is doubtful that these expenses would be effectively managed. An example being Medicare's introduction in 1965 where Congress projected costs of $12 billion by 1990 but ended up reaching $110 billion in actual expenses for that year. Similarly, food stamp expenses were only $173 million per year in 1968; however, within less than 30 years this figure had multiplied to $24 billion. Furthermore, there is a crucial misconception regarding marijuana's harmlessness to its users.Marijuana and hashish substances are well-known for inducing intoxication and a sense of being high. The level of impairment experienced depends on the quantity and potency of marijuana consumed. Over time, the THC content in marijuana has significantly increased from 2 to 5 percent in

the '70s to the current range of 10 to 20 percent. This higher grade marijuana is more desirable and expensive due to its ability to provide a stronger high.

Numerous studies have shown that marijuana use can lead to apathy, reduced mental capacity, difficulty concentrating, decreased performance, and loss of motivation. Extensive research also indicates negative effects on various bodily systems such as the brain, reproductive system, immune system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system.

Furthermore, marijuana can remain in the body for extended periods and often impairs cognitive function, distorts reality perception, reduces self-control, and increases the likelihood of engaging in harmful or criminal behavior. Users may not even be aware of their impairment unless someone informs them.

A study conducted by Stanford Medical School revealed that pilots who smoked one joint remained impaired even after 24 hours while believing they were functioning normally.

In summary, individuals under the influence of marijuana pose risks both to themselves and others. It is unnecessary to have more intoxicated individuals on streets at public events or driving on highways.Research on traffic fatalities provides clear evidence that there is a greater occurrence of deaths resulting from drivers who are under the influence of marijuana. Given our past negative encounters with alcohol and witnessing the harm it can inflict when used irresponsibly, it raises doubts as to why anyone would support the legalization of a comparable substance that caters to a minority group who are already disregarding our laws. Have those advocating for this not learned anything from the consequences of alcohol misuse?