Reason to not Legalized Marijuana Essay Example

98 percent of marijuana users perceive it as harmless (Newton 101). However, once they use the drug, they experience a more intense high and develop a craving for stronger effects, ultimately pushing them towards harder drugs.

According to the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, juveniles who smoke marijuana are 85 percent more likely to use cocaine and heroin compared to non-marijuana smokers (Kaminer 458).

Transition: Now let's examine the health problems associated with marijuana usage. Marijuana consumption can result in mental health issues such as impaired short-term memory, which hinders users' ability to learn and retain information, particularly for complex tasks. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration states that marijuana usage impacts various skills required for safe driving (Newton 158). Research conducted by NIDA revealed that between 4-14 percent of drivers injured or killed in accidents tested positive for the active ingredient found in marijuana.

Research data indicates that marijuana use can impair balance and coordination, which are crucial for driving. These effects can persist for up to 24 hours after smoking (Kuhar 154). Therefore, it is important to discourage the use of marijuana due to its negative consequences for individuals of all ages.

Conclusion

• There is a growing concern regarding the health risks associated with marijuana.
• Marijuana poses a potential danger of respiratory organ damage for both young and old individuals.
• While definitive evidence may be lacking, it is advisable to discourage the use of marijuana by anyone due to possible long-term public health issues.

Work Cited

• Gottfried, Ted. The Facts About Marijuana. New York: Benchmark Books, 2005. Print.
• Kaminer, Yifrah?. Adolescent Substance Use Disorders. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier
  

Health Sciences, 2010. Internet resource.

• Upper Saddle River, N.J: FT Press, 2012. Print.
• Newton, David E. Marijuana: A Reference Handbook. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO, 2013.

Print.