Keeping Marijuana Illegal Essay Example

methods; usually containing between 0.3% to 4% THC but specially cultivated plants may contain up to 15%.

A graph below shows start/duration time for THC effects when smoking/eating/drinking shown in red/blue respectively. When smoked, THC enters directly into lungs via tiny air sacs called alveoli entering bloodstreams within seconds while ingesting marijuana through eating or drinking travels through stomach then liver before spreading throughout the body.

Although smoking marijuana is not as powerful as other substances, its effects can last twice as long compared to ingestion which still remains dangerous due to quicker elimination of THC from the body. Even though the active ingredient in marijuana wears off after a few hours, its chemicals can remain in the body for up to 10 days depending on dosage and strength.Although medical professionals have utilized marijuana to treat ailments like cancer and AIDS, there are negative short-term effects associated with decreased coordination, memory loss, nausea, headaches, and slowed decision making. Long-term effects include cancer, brain damage, breathing difficulties among others and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency reports that using marijuana can also lead to heart attacks. Despite these consequences, debates continue over whether or not medical marijuana should be legalized because it has been shown to treat conditions such as nausea and muscle spasms while increasing appetite. However, some argue that the negative side-effects outweigh positive ones leading to more problems than solutions. Nine states within America have legalized medicinal use of marijuana but only with a prescription from a physician being necessary - otherwise employers may terminate employment if used on-the-job since it alters bodily functioning and could result in harm being caused. These states where medical

marijuana is legal are Alaska, Arizona, California Colorado Hawaii Maine Nevada Oregon and Washington. In the past it was used for alternative medicine purposes until Ronald Reagan banned it in 1980s believing that it was "the most dangerous drug in America today." Some people argue that nicotine may have worse effects on the body than marijuana because it contains more tar and is often smoked without a filter.Smoking marijuana can be harmful due to its high content of carcinogenic hydrocarbons, which can result in coughing, phlegm, chest illnesses, pneumonia and lung infections similar to cigarettes' side effects. Furthermore, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that using marijuana increases heart rate up to 100%, significantly raising the risk of a heart attack. Some consider marijuana a "gateway" drug that leads users towards harder illegal drugs like cocaine or heroin. Combining these highly addictive substances with marijuana creates a lethal concoction that greatly increases the risk of overdosing on drugs. Factors such as potency and additives may lead to intentional or unintentional overdoses. Organs function as filters when too much of any substance enters the body; however, if overwhelmed during detoxification they may not function properly or shut down altogether. According to Joseph Califano from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, drug use endangers both abusers and innocent people around them; teenagers who experiment with marijuana are more likely to use dangerous substances such as cocaine. Historical articles reveal that access to marijuana was easy and resulted in an increasing number of addicts among Mexican laborers and young adults in 1929 Chicago Tribune article; similarly during late 1950s use increased chances of trying

other harmful substances too.Per the United States Code Cong.&Ad.News dated 1956, those addicted to marijuana were found to have committed serious crimes. Research has linked marijuana use with car accidents, which account for a significant number of incidents each year. A study by the "French National Institute for Transportation and Safety" indicated that drivers under the influence of marijuana caused 7% of fatal car accidents studied. Higher levels of THC in their blood increased accident risks, with even small amounts doubling them and larger doses tripling them. Additionally, male users have a higher likelihood than female users of being involved in automobile accidents. The University of Montreal's research shows that individuals who score high on impulsivity or sensation-seeking are more prone to drive while under the influence of marijuana. Of 83 men aged between 17-49 years old included in the study, 80% had driven while under the influence and had experienced at least one automobile accident. Mixing alcohol with marijuana can significantly heighten risk levels as well. It is important to implement drug testing measures to prevent such accidents from happening, ensure good job performance standards remain upheld, and keep individuals safe from harm arising out of using Marijuana.Although many Americans use marijuana on a daily basis, it should continue to be prohibited because of the more than 400 chemicals contained within it. These substances can have detrimental mental and physical effects on the body, including impairing memory, thinking ability, balance, reaction time and comprehension of simple tasks mentally while physically harming lungs causing permanent brain damage increasing cancer risk particularly when used for pain relief. Additionally, statistics indicate that operating machinery or driving after

using marijuana can pose serious risks to one's life. This further emphasizes the need for its continued illegality.