Marijuana Should Not Be Legalized Essay

Drug and substance abuse is a common problem in many societies globally. Many policy developers formulate different regulations and restrictions on the use of these drugs and substances. Marijuana is one of the commonly abused drugs in the world. Some of the supporters of legalization of the drug do not realize that the greatest liability of Marijuana is not related to the ban but the use of the drug itself. However, there are medical uses of Marijuana that cannot be terminated. The major issue lies with the legalization of the drug for all members of the population. This paper argues that Marijuana should not be legalized because of health consequences, social problems, and addiction.

Health Issues

Marijuana use can affect the lives of the users negatively. Smoking has adverse effects on the respiratory system. Some of the medical issues associated with the use of Marijuana include the effect on the individual’s mental functionality including memory, intelligent quotient, and problem-solving skills. When one has poor judgment and problem-solving skills, they are likely to engage in other unhealthy activities. These include sexual relations with multiple partners, over speeding while driving and development of poor eating habits among others. Further, medical research notes of the possible linkage of psychosis and schizophrenia to prolonged use of the drug. These health challenges are exacerbated by the emergence of new strong strains of Marijuana that did not exist before. Notably, the health issues arise due to the behavioral changes associated with using marijuana.

Social Issues

Marijuana legalization can result in the emergence of many negative social issues. One of the known effects of Marijuana is impairment of the individual’s judgment. The users would thus pose safety issues to the public health especially on the roads and at workplaces. They are more likely to get accidents due to poor judgments causing harm to other members of the society. Further, legalization of the drug would guarantee the use of the drug by everybody irrespective of the age of the user. These users could be children who are not yet mature mentally and hence cannot be relied on to make good decisions on their own. It would result in a society where children have been exposed to the illegal material too early jeopardizing the prospects of the society. The children exposed would not attend school and would likely get involved in social vices like stealing, joining street gangs and succumb to other behavioral changes associated with the abuse of the drug. Therefore, marijuana should not be legalized.

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