The Disadvantages of Legalizing Marijuana: A Closer Look

Understanding Marijuana and Its Effects

Legalizing Marijuana has no advantages but creates more problems in the fight against illegal drugs, such as addiction, health issues, and danger to society. “Marijuana is any part of the plant Cannabis sativa, including viable seeds, resin, and derivatives of the plant, but not the stalk of the plant, or fiber, such as hemp, created from the stalk. The intoxicating element of Marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).” Marijuana, like any other drug, gives you the feeling of euphoria that can become addictive. The numerous health issues caused by Marijuana outweigh its medical use to prevent nausea caused by chemotherapy. It can impair the ability of the person to function normally, thus causing a threat to themselves as well as others.

The Pitfalls of Addiction and Health Implications

Marijuana use can lead to addiction problems. As per the research report by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, “marijuana use can lead to the problem of marijuana use disorder which in severe cases takes the form of addiction.” “People who use marijuana frequently often report irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness, and/or various forms of physical discomfort that peak within the first week after quitting and last up to two weeks.” As with addiction to any other drug, a person experiences withdrawal symptoms when not taking the drug. As a result, a person cannot stop using the drug even though it affects his life.

Health Risks and Societal Dangers of Marijuana Use

Volkow et al. found that the use of Marijuana affects an individual’s health in numerous ways. It influences brain development, resulting in a decline in IQ. Its use is associated with psychosis. It affects school performance, resulting in poor grades. Marijuana smokers are more likely to report symptoms of chronic bronchitis than non-smokers. There have been increased rates of respiratory infections and pneumonia. It has been associated with vascular conditions that increase risks for strokes and Myocardial infarctions.

The Menace on the Roads: Marijuana and Driving

Marijuana consumption can cause danger to the person as well as others. According to Dr. Johannes Ramaekers, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands, “Cannabis is the most frequently detected illegal drug among drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes, often in combination with alcohol. The THC content of Cannabis impairs the motor performance and the cognitive function, i.e., the attention, decision making, impulse control, and memory required for the safe operation of a vehicle.” The user not only involves himself in an accident but also involves others on the road when under the influence of Marijuana.

Conclusion

Marijuana, when consumed routinely, can lead to addiction, as a result of which it affects the person’s job and his family. It impairs the ability of a person to function as a normal individual, thus causing a threat to him as well as others. The disadvantages of legalizing Marijuana outweigh the benefits of its medical use; as a result, it should not be legalized.

References

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, June 25). Marijuana. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana
2. Ramaekers, J. (2018). Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis: An Increasing Public Health Concern. JAMA. 319(14):1433–1434. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.1334
3. Rich, A. K., & Stingl, A. (2017). Legalization of marijuana: An overview. Points of View: Legalization of Marijuana, 1. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true& db=pwh&AN=23554883&site=pov-live
4. Volkow, N. D., Baler, R. D., Compton, W. M., & Weiss, S. R. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. The New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219-27. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827335/