Legalization of Marijuana for Recreational Purposes

Running head: LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES
LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES
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1LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES
One of the most illegal drugs in the United States is Marijuana, however, some of the
states in recent days are legalising it for medical and recreational purposes (Kilmer, Caulkins, &
Everingham, 2014). Some of the factors about marijuana are undoubtedly worth knowing in
order to make better use of it however the concern is if it is used for medicinal purposes. There
are medical values that marijuana possesses that can be used to get treatment. The paper aims to
debate on the same argument regarding marijuana and legalising for medical and recreational
purpose. The paper aims to oppose the topic, marijuana should not be legalised to utilise it for
medical and recreational purpose.
The reasons marijuana should be legalised is for its medicinal values and the capabilities
that can help people in various treatments. Marijuana, unlike alcohol and tobacco that are known
to be causing cancer, liver damage and heart failure, is much lesser harmful. While Alcohol is
one of the reasons for people to die every day, there is no recorded death caused by marijuana.
Also, through legalising marijuana, the industry can boost the economy to a great extent
(Keyhani et al., 2018). Many people are injecting things that are covered in mould, pesticides,
fungus or other harmful substance. Therefore legalising marijuana will give access to better
regulation of consumer safety. Legalising cannabis also possesses the scope of decreasing the
crime rate in society as when marijuana has legalized the use of alcohol sales are evident to drop.
According to the National Institute of health, for more than 3,000 years people have used
marijuana to treat their ailments. Marijuana certainly has health benefits which make it one of the
considerations when it comes to medicine and drugs. It has been found that Marijuana can be
used to treat chronic pain which is a lead cause of disability and affects approximately 25 million
adults in the United States (NCCIH, 2018). The active ingredients of marijuana are highly
effective at relieving chronic pain. Psychologists have proved that using marijuana may help in

2LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES
fighting addictions for people with alcohol or opioid dependencies. Along with the mentioned
benefits, another major reason for legalising marijuana is the evidence that proved marijuana to
be highly effective in relieving depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Lastly,
oral cannabinoids are effective against vomiting and nausea that are caused by chemotherapy
used for cancer patients. The legal marijuana industry in the United States has the capability of
exceeding $24 billion in revenue by the end of 2025. Therefore, the industry can develop the
economy of the state in a more profound way if it is legalised. According to researches, people
drink less in the areas where marijuana is available since the crime and violence caused by
alcohol are ten times higher than marijuana there is a vital reason point to make it legal.
Therefore, since marijuana has recreational values, it can be used for treatment and recreational
purpose without many side effects.
Over 128 million people, more than half of the US adults have tried marijuana regardless
of the fact that it is an illegal drug under federal law. Although public support for legalising
marijuana has gone up to 66% from 12% today, the federal law is not only reconsidering it
(Williams et al., 2016). The reason for stopping the government from legalising marijuana is still
vital and can make the scenario worse. Marijuana certainly has health benefits however, it is to
be noted that it also has the potential of causing health hazards. It is a harmful drug for brain
tissue and it is under limited considerations that have health benefits. The reason more than half
of the US population has tried marijuana is for it is highly addictive for some people. Anybody
who has used marijuana will agree to the fact that it can become an addiction that may result in
years of rehabilitation. Also, the high use of marijuana can give rise to the black market of
marijuana.