Legalization of Marijuana: Benefits and Implications

Sociology of Crime

Legalization of Marijuana
Legalization of Marijuana has been a popular topic for debate and discussion during the past
few years with several countries including many American states legalising the use of marijuana
for non-medical and recreational use (Galston and Dionne Jr, 2013). One of the main reason why
use of marijuana has been illegal for the past many years is the addictiveness and the likelihood
of the person who consumes it being hooked to using it. Marijuana is considered to be one of the
highly abusive drugs. However, the last few years have witnessed a magnificent increase in the
number of people in support and favour of legalising the marijuana for recreational uses. In this
essay, an attempt is being made to arrive at a conclusion whether use of marijuana for
recreational purposes should be legalised in Australia on the basis of analysing the existing
strength and weakness of the marijuana legalization.
Legalization of marijuana in Australia can be evaluated from two different perspectives with
respect to its benefits and demerits. Having a look at the negative effects of legalising the
marijuana, the following important points need to be considered which are that legalising
marijuana will increase its use and consumption primarily among teens which is bound to have
an impact on their health as well as other areas which include career deviation, school
performances etcetera (Estoup and et. al, 2016). People against legalising marijuana in the
country have argued that it will increase the risk of health problems such as schizophrenia and
other psychotic symptoms due to a regular use without any restriction. Opinions such as
increasing risk of mental disorders and car accidents as a result of driving after consuming
cannabis have also formed the shape of arguments against the motion of legalization of
marijuana (McGinty and et. al, 2017). However, it can certainly be observed that the threats or
risks associated with legalization of marijuana are outweighed by its potential advantages and
benefits. Physical benefits attributable to the consumption of marijuana have remarkable
importance in reducing the mental stress and anxiety for a person. When used in appropriate
quantity, marijuana leads to relaxing and energising the mind and improves the individual
thinking and creative capacity. It also helps in psychological satisfaction. Other than that,
marijuana has immense healing potential and power which is yet to be realised by the existing
western medication (Johannigman and Eschiti, 2013). Many researches have found that usage of
marijuana reduces the likelihood and chances of cancer development in a person to a great
extent. Medication of cancer is also being developed with marijuana as the most important base.

Along with that, marijuana consumption also has spiritual benefits. The current drug
administration policy related to marijuana in Australia is based on the approach of minimising
the harms associated with it by measures such as reducing and mitigating the supply, preventing
the demand and primarily reduction of other harms. Over the years, despite of having such
strategy there hasn’t been a tangible reduction in the usage and consumption of marijuana in
Australia (Roffman, 2013). Also, it is very important to realise that most of the harms which are
associated with drugs are precisely because of criminalisation of drug usage. For example,
criminal records which can affect the future and career of a person because of possession of
drugs for recreational use. Legalization of marijuana will certainly reduce a lot of harms which
are associated with its excess usage. It provides a platform for tracking its usage in the country
and restrictions can be laid in terms of permissible quantities of consumption for non-medical
and recreational use (Ryan and Ammerman, 2017). It can be argued that legalization of
marijuana in Australia and formation of a government agency which can monitor, regulate,
supervise, license the production and sale and constantly review the regulations has many
advantages and benefits. Government agency can give out licenses to various retail chains would
assume the position of the sole wholesaler in the industry which gives it an opportunity to
completely track the supply and demand of marijuana in the country. As a result of the strict drug
administration strategy of Australia, a very significant amount and part of the work done by the
judiciary system of the country along with police departments is being spent on the apparently
criminal offences which are related to usage of drugs like marijuana. In addition to that, a large
portion of the amount which is allocated for budget is also being incurred for the purpose of
mitigating and cribbing the drug consumption in the country. Despite of all such hard work and
costs being incurred, laws which are being enforced for drug administration have had a very low
or negligible impact and influence on the existing drug market within Australia. Legalization of
marijuana can certainly help a great deal in reducing the current burden and pressure which is
being laid on the judiciary system along with police department to crib the usage of drug in the
country (Mönckeberg, 2014). Resources and human power of the justice system can be used
much effectively for controlling more serious crimes and offences in the country which can
definitely lead to a reduction in the crime rate in the country. According to a study, more than
$29 Billion dollars are being spent by the government of the country for the sole purpose of
restricting the usage and consumption of marijuana and this amount can be saved by legalizing