Marujuana Legalization Essay Example

concealing them inside animals. The possibility of random shootouts occurring should not be dismissed as unlikely. In such a scenario, law enforcement would find themselves ill-equipped to handle the situation and could even face imprisonment themselves. Given this reality, it would be more logical to legalize and tax marijuana, creating revenue for government programs. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that patterns of marijuana usage differ among various demographics in the United States. Surprisingly, statistics reveal that white individuals consume marijuana more frequently despite assumptions that minorities have higher rates of use and abuse. This disparity can be attributed to fear; some white individuals believe they can bribe authorities and make criminal charges disappear while minorities often lack the financial means necessary for relying on this option. Figure 2 from the NORMAL presentation features a pie chart displaying the breakdown of cannabis usage by race and ethnicity along with their corresponding percentages.
The advantages and disadvantages of marijuana use, especially when abused, must be acknowledged. Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that can harm brain cells and disrupt mental functioning. It can lead to addiction and cause symptoms like sleepiness, anxiety, increased appetite, and depression. When smoked, cannabis enters the bloodstream through the lungs and affects different parts of the body including the brain. High levels of marijuana can intoxicate individuals and impair coordination, awareness, problem-solving abilities, and memory. Short-term risks include impaired driving skills, difficulty concentrating or learning, memory loss, anxiety, and paranoia. Despite these negative effects, some still use marijuana for perceived medical benefits. However, long-term hazards may include breathing problems, an increased infection risk, weakened attention and memory skills, difficulty comprehending complex information as

well as a higher likelihood of developing lung or head/neck cancers or decreased sperm count in men or irregular periods for women. On the other hand there are also medical advantages associated with cannabis use; it has potential benefits for individuals with certain medical conditions such as increasing appetite in those with anorexia due to its chemical components.Patients with glaucoma can consider using marijuana to reduce intra-ocular pressure. Additionally, according to a study conducted by the California Pacific Medical Center research institute, cannabis has the potential to decrease breast cancer spread in women. Moreover, minimizing side effects for patients with HIV and AIDS is possible by reducing their intake of heart medication. Fortunately, medicinal marijuana is legally accessible in California through prescriptions for patients with specific medical conditions. However, I believe this opportunity should be extended nationwide rather than being limited solely to California. While concerns exist about potential abuse if marijuana becomes legal everywhere, it is likely that the government's intention is to protect individuals from their own potential downfall. It is worth noting that tobacco remains legal in the United States despite causing lung cancer due to its financial benefits for the government. This raises the question of why marijuana shouldn't also be legalized. Despite the possibility of fatal consequences from misuse, I still believe that everyone should have the right to make their own choices and decisions. It is incorrect to assume that only young people smoke weed since data indicates that both youth and adults consume marijuana. As adults, we are expected to set an example for younger individuals regarding responsible behaviorIt is commonplace for individuals to mimic the actions of

adults, as the saying goes "monkey see monkey do." If we witness adults partaking in drug usage, such as smoking marijuana and tobacco, it is natural for us to have the inclination to follow suit. We should contemplate putting an end to the hypocritical position that the United States holds regarding drug use among government officials. Despite being aware of numerous officials' addictions and misconduct with drugs, they choose to allow it. So why can't everyone have the autonomy to decide which substances they consume? The legalization and taxation of marijuana in the United States would generate additional revenue that could support disadvantaged communities and foster peace among marijuana users. Regarding health concerns, individuals should take accountability for their own choices. In a similar manner to tobacco, which remains legal despite its connection with lung cancer, shouldn't marijuana also be legalized with a "buyer beware" approach? At least patients who meet certain qualifications should have access to medicinal marijuana. Currently, California profits financially from marijuana sales more than other states. I hope that one day our federal government will thoroughly consider all evidence before criminalizing any other substances within our nation's borders.