Simply put ,yes. Marijuana has been proven to be less harmful than alcohol and tobacco when used in moderation. Granted that is in moderation. Even if used excessively, I believe that it is less harmful than drinking too much booze. Also, if marijuana were legalized there would be far less “criminals” being supported by taxpayers in our prisons. This also would free up time in our courts and police departments for them to focus on more serious crimes, like rape and murder. This legalization would also in turn eliminate many drug dealers. Another reason is because there are proven medical benefits for cancer patients and those who are suffering from depression. So many Americans do not seek help for depression and end up with terrible consequences from it. If a simple joint could help them, then I say “Go for it”. The FDA could regulate the safety of the product and our government could profit off of it instead of having to pay for it through our tax dollars. If our government taxed marijuana in the same way it taxes alcohol and tobacco this would be a huge revenue for it. The fact is, if people want to smoke pot, they will. Since this drug is not as harmful as alcohol or tobacco, then why not let it be legal and government regulated? Maybe they could pass a law that states that you have to be 18 or 21 to possess and use marijuana like tobacco or alcohol. I believe that government legalization and regulation of marijuana would be a general plus for our economy and our citizens as a whole.
As my colleague states in her blog, I also believe that marijuana should be legalized. Julie Warlick brings up many positive things about marijuana effecting the economy, jails and criminals, medical benefits, as well as stating how it could be regulated. She says that if marijuana is legalized and taxed around where alcohol and tobacco are taxed then there would be a massive revenue to decrease the country's debit. There have been many studies proving this to be true. Since California legalized marijuana they have seen a major rise in the economy. Warlick continues to talk about how that there would be less criminals in our jails so less expense for prisons and more time for the police to worry about more serious crime. I certainly agree that we would not have to spend more taxes on prisons because of marijuana, as well as legalization would make it so there would be less "criminals". As for the medical benefits of marijuana, it is shown to help glaucoma, cancer patients and depression. I feel that if people with serious illnesses benefit from marijuana it should not be illegal. It does not cure the disease, but it helps the patients cope with their illness. Warlick even describes how marijuana can be regulated. She brings to the table that the FDA can help regulate proportions and keep it at a safe strength. She also suggests that there could be an age limit like alcohol and tobacco. I feel that the age limit is a good idea. Although teenagers are the ones who smoke most often, I think that if we enforce the limit that we can keep marijuana safe for everybody.
ReplyDeleteI would personally like to see more evidence supporting the claims made in this article before I would honestly be swayed one way or the other. While much of it seems plausible the way one would sway another's opinion about such an issue would be through solid evidence.
ReplyDeleteWell written and otherwise my opinion stays on the fence with this one. While Marijuana legalization could help if properly introduced there's a point where it's too much. I will however agree that I believe it's nowhere near as bad as alcohol has become in our country.
As stated previously though. For someone like me who is neither for or against the legalization of marijuana I need more evidence in the form of links, testimonials, and scientific/economic studies to make a decision. Other than that your points are strong and your logic is clear. Well written, and other than my complaint of support I can't say much else. People like seeing numbers to get a clear scope. Perhaps find some statistics to use.