Essay on the Debate: Should Marijuana Be Legal, Pros and Cons?
VerifiedAdded on 2023/06/05
|8
|2124
|429
Essay
AI Summary
This essay delves into the ongoing debate surrounding the legalization of marijuana, exploring arguments from both sides. It begins by defining marijuana and outlining its various forms and uses, including medicinal applications. The essay then presents data on marijuana usage in the United States, highlighting its increasing popularity and economic impact. Arguments in favor of legalization emphasize potential tax revenue, reduced crime, and medical benefits, while counterarguments focus on potential health risks, regulatory challenges, and environmental concerns. The essay concludes by advocating for restricted legalization, suggesting that marijuana should be legal under specific circumstances with strong regulatory oversight to prevent misuse and ensure responsible consumption. Desklib offers a variety of resources to further explore this topic, including related essays and study materials.
Running head: ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note
Paraphrase This Document
Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser
1
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
Introduction
The question surrounding the legalizing of marijuana has been going around for quite
some time but concrete solution is yet to be found. Those opposing the legalization of the drug
claim that it has disastrous effects on the memory power of individuals especially the young
people. On the other hand, the supporters argue that the drug has clinical benefits as it helps
improve the quality of life of people. This growing debate has led to an increased interest in the
use of marijuana especially in the United States. Experts believe that the sale of the drug is most
likely to see a remarkable increase by 2021 (Forbes.com, 2018).
The essay will discuss the questions regarding the legalization of marijuana and try to
find out whether it should be legal or not. The essay will begin with an explanation of the drug
and the reasons the question of legalizing the drug has surfaced. Further, the essay will provide
arguments both in favor and against legalizing of the drug.
Known also as herb, weed, grass, pot, bud, Mary Jane and ganja, marijuana is a mixture
of greenish-gray Cannabis sativa dry flowers (Drugabuse.gov, 2018). While some people smoke
it using hand-rolled cigarettes, others smoke it using cigar wraps or in bongs, the water pipes. It
is interesting to note that although it is most commonly perceived as an addictive drug, it is used
to brew tea and often used for medicinal purposes. Marijuana comes in various forms like strong
and light. The stronger forms include sinsemilla and concentrated resins that contain large doses
of the drug’s active ingredients such as hash oil, shatter and budder (Drugabuse.gov, 2018). The
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the prime psychoactive chemical present in marijuana,
which is responsible for majority of intoxicating effects desired by the people.
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
Introduction
The question surrounding the legalizing of marijuana has been going around for quite
some time but concrete solution is yet to be found. Those opposing the legalization of the drug
claim that it has disastrous effects on the memory power of individuals especially the young
people. On the other hand, the supporters argue that the drug has clinical benefits as it helps
improve the quality of life of people. This growing debate has led to an increased interest in the
use of marijuana especially in the United States. Experts believe that the sale of the drug is most
likely to see a remarkable increase by 2021 (Forbes.com, 2018).
The essay will discuss the questions regarding the legalization of marijuana and try to
find out whether it should be legal or not. The essay will begin with an explanation of the drug
and the reasons the question of legalizing the drug has surfaced. Further, the essay will provide
arguments both in favor and against legalizing of the drug.
Known also as herb, weed, grass, pot, bud, Mary Jane and ganja, marijuana is a mixture
of greenish-gray Cannabis sativa dry flowers (Drugabuse.gov, 2018). While some people smoke
it using hand-rolled cigarettes, others smoke it using cigar wraps or in bongs, the water pipes. It
is interesting to note that although it is most commonly perceived as an addictive drug, it is used
to brew tea and often used for medicinal purposes. Marijuana comes in various forms like strong
and light. The stronger forms include sinsemilla and concentrated resins that contain large doses
of the drug’s active ingredients such as hash oil, shatter and budder (Drugabuse.gov, 2018). The
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the prime psychoactive chemical present in marijuana,
which is responsible for majority of intoxicating effects desired by the people.
2
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
In the U.S., marijuana ranks at the top when it comes to illicit drug use with more than 22
million people using it in 2015 itself. A survey conducted by the Monitoring the Future found
that 9.4 percent of eighth graders were consuming marijuana in 2015 while the rate was higher
amongst the tenth graders with 23.9 percent students consuming the drug (Samhsa.gov, 2018).
Amongst the twelfth graders, the report found that the rate was the highest with 35.6 percent
using it. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) has also found an increase in the medical
emergencies related to marijuana use. DAWN estimated that around 456,000 cases of emergency
were noticed in 2011 related to the use of marijuana (Samhsa.gov, 2018). However, it must also
be stated that DAWN did not confirm whether all the cases were directly related to the use of the
drug.
In terms of revenue and profit, marijuana has become the fastest growing industry in the
U.S., especially the illegal marijuana. A report published in the Marijuana Business Daily found
that the sales have grown to more than 40 percent in the present year (Mjbizdaily.com, 2018).
The aggregate growth during 2016 to 2021 is likely to reach the 300 percent mark, the report
suggested (Mjbizdaily.com, 2018). The growth unsurprisingly has caught the attention of
investors in the States who are not willing to miss any opportunity to cash in. nonetheless, the
drug is still categorized as illegal at the federal level.
Marijuana’s use in the U.S. is not a new thing as people from the early centuries have
consumed it. During the 19th and 20th century America, marijuana use and abuse was at its peak
when the question of legalizing it had not even been imagined. Although it has remained an
illegal drug in the country, cannabis had once even appeared on the U.S ten dollar bills during
the 1900s thus showing the significance of this drug (Lynne-Landsman, Livingston & Wagenaar,
2013). With the gradual realization of the medical benefits of cannabis, several states began to
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
In the U.S., marijuana ranks at the top when it comes to illicit drug use with more than 22
million people using it in 2015 itself. A survey conducted by the Monitoring the Future found
that 9.4 percent of eighth graders were consuming marijuana in 2015 while the rate was higher
amongst the tenth graders with 23.9 percent students consuming the drug (Samhsa.gov, 2018).
Amongst the twelfth graders, the report found that the rate was the highest with 35.6 percent
using it. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) has also found an increase in the medical
emergencies related to marijuana use. DAWN estimated that around 456,000 cases of emergency
were noticed in 2011 related to the use of marijuana (Samhsa.gov, 2018). However, it must also
be stated that DAWN did not confirm whether all the cases were directly related to the use of the
drug.
In terms of revenue and profit, marijuana has become the fastest growing industry in the
U.S., especially the illegal marijuana. A report published in the Marijuana Business Daily found
that the sales have grown to more than 40 percent in the present year (Mjbizdaily.com, 2018).
The aggregate growth during 2016 to 2021 is likely to reach the 300 percent mark, the report
suggested (Mjbizdaily.com, 2018). The growth unsurprisingly has caught the attention of
investors in the States who are not willing to miss any opportunity to cash in. nonetheless, the
drug is still categorized as illegal at the federal level.
Marijuana’s use in the U.S. is not a new thing as people from the early centuries have
consumed it. During the 19th and 20th century America, marijuana use and abuse was at its peak
when the question of legalizing it had not even been imagined. Although it has remained an
illegal drug in the country, cannabis had once even appeared on the U.S ten dollar bills during
the 1900s thus showing the significance of this drug (Lynne-Landsman, Livingston & Wagenaar,
2013). With the gradual realization of the medical benefits of cannabis, several states began to
⊘ This is a preview!⊘
Do you want full access?
Subscribe today to unlock all pages.
Trusted by 1+ million students worldwide
3
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
soften their stand. The 1990s era saw a significant change in the perception of people regarding
the use of marijuana and many openly demonstrated supports for its legalization. Numerous
associations were formed supporting the use of medical cannabis for severely ill patients, which
included the Oakland cannabis Buyers’ Cooperative. The cooperative came out in support of
using medical cannabis to help patients recover for which the U.S. Government sued it in 2001
(Lynne-Landsman, Livingston & Wagenaar, 2013).
As evident from the above discussion, use of cannabis and its legalization as a medical
drug has been a serious contention for debate in the country. Until recently, several studies on
marijuana use have found that the drug has many medicinal benefits and that it should be legal.
The health officials in New York opine that recreational marijuana must be legal as per the
reports that say that the “drug does more good than harm” and it could acquire $700 million in
taxes for the State (Dailymail.co.uk, 2018). The report suggested that although marijuana is risky
for the lungs, its users become lazy, and that it could also aggravate mental illness, the benefits
of it have the potential to overshadow the negative. The benefits could be enjoyed with a
restricted use of the drug, the report further stated. Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had
commissioned the report in January, stated that the two border states of New York City namely
Massachusetts and New Jersey have already legalized the use of recreational marijuana. There is
more control and possibility for revenue when it is regulated and since the two neighboring states
are legalizing it, “it is not really an option of preventing it”, the governor further said
(Dailymail.co.uk, 2018). As per the report, legalizing marijuana would not considerably augment
the pace of use amongst adults and teenagers, but it would lessen the amount of trivial crimes
charges that incessantly devour police time.
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
soften their stand. The 1990s era saw a significant change in the perception of people regarding
the use of marijuana and many openly demonstrated supports for its legalization. Numerous
associations were formed supporting the use of medical cannabis for severely ill patients, which
included the Oakland cannabis Buyers’ Cooperative. The cooperative came out in support of
using medical cannabis to help patients recover for which the U.S. Government sued it in 2001
(Lynne-Landsman, Livingston & Wagenaar, 2013).
As evident from the above discussion, use of cannabis and its legalization as a medical
drug has been a serious contention for debate in the country. Until recently, several studies on
marijuana use have found that the drug has many medicinal benefits and that it should be legal.
The health officials in New York opine that recreational marijuana must be legal as per the
reports that say that the “drug does more good than harm” and it could acquire $700 million in
taxes for the State (Dailymail.co.uk, 2018). The report suggested that although marijuana is risky
for the lungs, its users become lazy, and that it could also aggravate mental illness, the benefits
of it have the potential to overshadow the negative. The benefits could be enjoyed with a
restricted use of the drug, the report further stated. Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had
commissioned the report in January, stated that the two border states of New York City namely
Massachusetts and New Jersey have already legalized the use of recreational marijuana. There is
more control and possibility for revenue when it is regulated and since the two neighboring states
are legalizing it, “it is not really an option of preventing it”, the governor further said
(Dailymail.co.uk, 2018). As per the report, legalizing marijuana would not considerably augment
the pace of use amongst adults and teenagers, but it would lessen the amount of trivial crimes
charges that incessantly devour police time.
Paraphrase This Document
Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser
4
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
In contrast to this, those against the legalization of cannabis use argue that marijuana use
could be fatal for the users. A study conducted by the Northwestern University found that users
of ages 16 or 17 develop “an oddly shaped hippocampus” who had consumed marijuana for over
three years (Cbsnews.com, 2018). The hippocampus is that region of the brain where memory
functions. Further, the study also found that the average test score for long-term memory
amongst heavy users reduced to 18 percent as compared to the non-users. Apart from the health
damages, marijuana use also causes problems for the regulatory bodies. Legalizing marijuana
would mean that drivers would be allowed to drive while under the influence. Whereas the level
of alcohol consumption is measurable through blood-alcohol content (BAC), there is no
parameter to test the limit of marijuana consumption. This makes it extremely difficult to enforce
laws relating to driving under marijuana influence since there is no fixed level of THC, which
decides whether the driver is in excess of or below the limit for being damaged (Roditis &
Halpern-Felsher, 2015). The protestors argue that legalizing marijuana would cause great trouble
due to lack of better parameters and regulations. Another argument against the legalization of
marijuana concerns the environmental damage and electricity consumption in the U.S. Scientist
Evan Mills conducted a study where he found that “legal indoor marijuana growing farms were
accounting for one percent of the nation’s electricity usage, totaling about $6 billion annually”
(Mills, 2012). Further, outdoor marijuana farming could adversely affect the environment that
includes wildlife as well.
The political scenario in the country is also divided concerning the legalization of
Marijuana. While some are favoring legalization to attract users, others are opposing it to attract
non-users. Supporters of marijuana legalization such as Marijuana Policy Project and Drug
Policy Alliance state that legalizing cannabis use is the best way to cease a vast source of
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
In contrast to this, those against the legalization of cannabis use argue that marijuana use
could be fatal for the users. A study conducted by the Northwestern University found that users
of ages 16 or 17 develop “an oddly shaped hippocampus” who had consumed marijuana for over
three years (Cbsnews.com, 2018). The hippocampus is that region of the brain where memory
functions. Further, the study also found that the average test score for long-term memory
amongst heavy users reduced to 18 percent as compared to the non-users. Apart from the health
damages, marijuana use also causes problems for the regulatory bodies. Legalizing marijuana
would mean that drivers would be allowed to drive while under the influence. Whereas the level
of alcohol consumption is measurable through blood-alcohol content (BAC), there is no
parameter to test the limit of marijuana consumption. This makes it extremely difficult to enforce
laws relating to driving under marijuana influence since there is no fixed level of THC, which
decides whether the driver is in excess of or below the limit for being damaged (Roditis &
Halpern-Felsher, 2015). The protestors argue that legalizing marijuana would cause great trouble
due to lack of better parameters and regulations. Another argument against the legalization of
marijuana concerns the environmental damage and electricity consumption in the U.S. Scientist
Evan Mills conducted a study where he found that “legal indoor marijuana growing farms were
accounting for one percent of the nation’s electricity usage, totaling about $6 billion annually”
(Mills, 2012). Further, outdoor marijuana farming could adversely affect the environment that
includes wildlife as well.
The political scenario in the country is also divided concerning the legalization of
Marijuana. While some are favoring legalization to attract users, others are opposing it to attract
non-users. Supporters of marijuana legalization such as Marijuana Policy Project and Drug
Policy Alliance state that legalizing cannabis use is the best way to cease a vast source of
5
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
revenues coming from criminal organizations (Drugpolicy.org, 2018). They further assert that it
would also end the arrests of marijuana users who are not involved in any violent activities
(Mpp.org, 2018). The protestors however, do not agree with this view, as they believe legalizing
the drug would allow for-profit organizations to aggressively sell and market marijuana. Smart
Approaches to Marijuana oppose the legalization of marijuana stating that it would make the
drug easily accessible and hence, misused (Learnaboutsam.org, 2018). Those supporting the
legal use of marijuana suggest that taking one-step at a time like allowing the drug only for
medicinal purposes and then decriminalizing it could get rid of criminal punishment for
possession but keep supply and sales unlawful.
Conclusion
After analyzing the arguments both in favor and against the question whether marijuana
should be legal or not, it can be asserted that restricted legalization is possible. As evident from
the above discussion, marijuana should be legal only in certain situations and in certain
proportions. The analysis has found that marijuana is beneficial for numerous patients suffering
from pain and other such illness but the illegality bars its use. Forming a strong regulatory body
that could check the use of the drug might help in limiting the drug’s use. Further, it would also
ensure that the drug is not easily accessible to minors, young adults and teenagers. In the end, it
can be stated the marijuana should be legal with some restrictions in its use and limitations in its
consumption.
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
revenues coming from criminal organizations (Drugpolicy.org, 2018). They further assert that it
would also end the arrests of marijuana users who are not involved in any violent activities
(Mpp.org, 2018). The protestors however, do not agree with this view, as they believe legalizing
the drug would allow for-profit organizations to aggressively sell and market marijuana. Smart
Approaches to Marijuana oppose the legalization of marijuana stating that it would make the
drug easily accessible and hence, misused (Learnaboutsam.org, 2018). Those supporting the
legal use of marijuana suggest that taking one-step at a time like allowing the drug only for
medicinal purposes and then decriminalizing it could get rid of criminal punishment for
possession but keep supply and sales unlawful.
Conclusion
After analyzing the arguments both in favor and against the question whether marijuana
should be legal or not, it can be asserted that restricted legalization is possible. As evident from
the above discussion, marijuana should be legal only in certain situations and in certain
proportions. The analysis has found that marijuana is beneficial for numerous patients suffering
from pain and other such illness but the illegality bars its use. Forming a strong regulatory body
that could check the use of the drug might help in limiting the drug’s use. Further, it would also
ensure that the drug is not easily accessible to minors, young adults and teenagers. In the end, it
can be stated the marijuana should be legal with some restrictions in its use and limitations in its
consumption.
⊘ This is a preview!⊘
Do you want full access?
Subscribe today to unlock all pages.
Trusted by 1+ million students worldwide
6
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
References:
Cbsnews.com. (2018). Marijuana may smoke your long-term memory. Retrieved from
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marijuana-may-smoke-your-long-term-memory/
Dailymail.co.uk. (2018). New York health officials say recreational marijuana should be
LEGAL. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5952053/New-York-
health-officials-say-recreational-marijuana-LEGAL.html
Drugabuse.gov. (2018). What is marijuana?. Retrieved from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-marijuana
Drugpolicy.org. (2018). Marijuana Legalization and Regulation. Retrieved from
http://www.drugpolicy.org/issues/marijuana-legalization-and-regulation
Forbes.com. (2018). The Global Marijuana Market Will Soon Hit $31.4 Billion But Investors
Should Be Cautious. Retrieved from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/monazhang/2017/11/07/global-marijuana-market-31-
billion-investors-cautious/#6937b8847297
Learnaboutsam.org. (2018). Legalization. Retrieved from https://learnaboutsam.org/legalization/
Lynne-Landsman, S. D., Livingston, M. D., & Wagenaar, A. C. (2013). Effects of state medical
marijuana laws on adolescent marijuana use. American journal of public health, 103(8),
1500-1506.
Mills, E. (2012). The carbon footprint of indoor Cannabis production. Energy Policy, 46, 58-67.
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
References:
Cbsnews.com. (2018). Marijuana may smoke your long-term memory. Retrieved from
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marijuana-may-smoke-your-long-term-memory/
Dailymail.co.uk. (2018). New York health officials say recreational marijuana should be
LEGAL. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5952053/New-York-
health-officials-say-recreational-marijuana-LEGAL.html
Drugabuse.gov. (2018). What is marijuana?. Retrieved from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-marijuana
Drugpolicy.org. (2018). Marijuana Legalization and Regulation. Retrieved from
http://www.drugpolicy.org/issues/marijuana-legalization-and-regulation
Forbes.com. (2018). The Global Marijuana Market Will Soon Hit $31.4 Billion But Investors
Should Be Cautious. Retrieved from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/monazhang/2017/11/07/global-marijuana-market-31-
billion-investors-cautious/#6937b8847297
Learnaboutsam.org. (2018). Legalization. Retrieved from https://learnaboutsam.org/legalization/
Lynne-Landsman, S. D., Livingston, M. D., & Wagenaar, A. C. (2013). Effects of state medical
marijuana laws on adolescent marijuana use. American journal of public health, 103(8),
1500-1506.
Mills, E. (2012). The carbon footprint of indoor Cannabis production. Energy Policy, 46, 58-67.
Paraphrase This Document
Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser
7
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
Mjbizdaily.com. (2018). Exclusive: US marijuana sales may reach $10 billion this year, $22
billion by 2022. Retrieved from https://mjbizdaily.com/exclusive-marijuana-sales-may-
reach-10-billion-this-year-22-billion-by-2022/
Mpp.org. (2018). MPP - We Change Laws!. Retrieved from https://www.mpp.org/
Roditis, M. L., & Halpern-Felsher, B. (2015). Adolescents' perceptions of risks and benefits of
conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana: a qualitative analysis. Journal of
Adolescent Health, 57(2), 179-185.
Samhsa.gov. (2018). Update: drug-related emergency department visits involving synthetic
cannabinoids. Retrieved from
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/SR-1378/SR-1378.pdf
ESSAY ON THE QUESTION “SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL”
Mjbizdaily.com. (2018). Exclusive: US marijuana sales may reach $10 billion this year, $22
billion by 2022. Retrieved from https://mjbizdaily.com/exclusive-marijuana-sales-may-
reach-10-billion-this-year-22-billion-by-2022/
Mpp.org. (2018). MPP - We Change Laws!. Retrieved from https://www.mpp.org/
Roditis, M. L., & Halpern-Felsher, B. (2015). Adolescents' perceptions of risks and benefits of
conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana: a qualitative analysis. Journal of
Adolescent Health, 57(2), 179-185.
Samhsa.gov. (2018). Update: drug-related emergency department visits involving synthetic
cannabinoids. Retrieved from
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/SR-1378/SR-1378.pdf
1 out of 8
Related Documents
Your All-in-One AI-Powered Toolkit for Academic Success.
+13062052269
info@desklib.com
Available 24*7 on WhatsApp / Email
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/star-bottom.7253800d.svg)
Unlock your academic potential
Copyright © 2020–2025 A2Z Services. All Rights Reserved. Developed and managed by ZUCOL.