South University Legalizing Marijuana Computer and Literacy ITS 1000 Michael L Smith October 18, 2013 Michael L. Smith Computer and Literacy: ITS 1000 Instructor: Carmen Flores October 18, 2013 Legalizing Marijauna In regards to illicit drugs, an epidemic that has a stronghold on our country caused a movement. That movement was and still is today, “the war on drugs”. Illegal drugs enters this country at an unexplainable alarming rate. In the United States alone the drug market is one of the most profitable in the world. (Agency, 2004) My intent is not to focus on the profitability of illegal drugs but the debate of legalization in particularly marijuana.
As of late, the marijuana debate has shifted in favor of legalization. Why has public opinion swayed so much in recent years? The success of the medicinal marijuana market, the heavy support for legalization by the younger generations, and the passing of the more conservative generations can contribute to some significant changes. However, sustained public opinion is very difficult to predict. Recent polls taken by the Pew Research Center and General Social Surveys show that the main reason for support of marijuana is that the American public fails to see marijuana has a major moral issue (Galston, Dionne 1).
They believe that since alcohol and cigarettes are more dangerous so why shouldn’t it be legal if regulated in a similar manner. Many people are curious to see how this works for Colorado. With the passing of Amendment 64, marijuana will be distributed under the same guidelines as alcohol; meaning residents must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and possess the drug. Alcohol can lead to disorientation and uncontrolled behavior. Although marijuana can lead to a relaxed and euphoric feeling it will not cause you to make decisions you would not normally do.
Imagine how much more money could be made if marijuana became legal. The extra tax revenue would help society because there would be an extra income that could be used towards health care or other things that benefits society. Drug dealers cause a threat to society and if marijuana was decriminalized drug dealers would lose most if not all of their business and crime would decrease. (SASTISTIC PG 4 5 OF RESEARCH NOTES) if marijuana were to be controlled by the government people would more likely to buy from a store than a shady drug dealer. Thousands of job opportunities would be made available if marijuana were to be decriminalized.
Production and sales of marijuana by the government rather than by criminals, will save lives, create jobs, and generate money which can be used for social program, education, health care (Beccasurez 85 Oct 2008). Crime related to marijuana production, tariffing and dealing will be reduced or eliminated. A user might see this as freedom for anyone, regardless of medical status, to use marijuana for therapeutic reason without the approval of a physician, or diagnosis of specific medical condition. By setting an age limit on the marijuana use, there can be stricter controls on whether younger people can access it. Other arguments are more positive and are focused on free will and potential benefits of marijuana use.
The legalization of marijuana is an extremely controversial topic in America, and it has been for years. It is well known that legalization could better our country’s economy, lessen crime, and can benefit those suffering from painful health conditions. So besides the few I have listed, what is the actual problem here? The US government is too frightened to step out of the box and give us, the people, a chance to legally use marijuana for recreational use based on decades of false negative publicity on the matter. Years of ridicule and the constant reminders of the fact that marijuana is the “gateway drug” contributes greatly to this problem.
A War That Can’t Be Won Should the United States fight a war that can’t be won? The war against marijuana is a costly and inconvenient war that the United States seems to be losing. It started in 1915 when Utah passed the first law against marijuana and it is still going to this day. Recreational use of marijuana has been increasing and is easily accessible. The money that our government is spending on this fight against marijuana could be saved and instead of losing money the government could make money by taxing legal marijuana.
Others, like me, think that the government shouldn’t have the power to outlaw if it’s not harming or endangering others. There are many reasons why I believe marijuana should be legalized. Marijuana could generate billions of dollars to use for more serious problems, prohibition doesn’t help anything, and legalization could possibly reduce drug use by teens. Our government currently spends billions of dollars annually to lock up marijuana users. These people are normally very peaceful, relaxed, and non-violent.
Legalizing marijuana would and could decrease crime in the drug world. America would not be financing the drug cartel in other countries. Needless to say, legalizing marijuana would be one of the best decisions that the American judicial system could make especially financially according to many
The Prosperous Legalization The use of marijuana in America is often negatively regarded as a foolish activity for the reason that Americans only tend to observe the improper uses of marijuana. It is very important for our constituents to note that the legalization can bring prosperity to America. In the interest of salvaging America’s degraded economy, the legalization inherits the capacity to solve the nation’s economic issues, introduce new job opportunities to our nation’s workforce, and discover new medicinal treatments for malignant illnesses. Despite anyone’s opinions on marijuana one solid fact is undeniable, legal marijuana is vested with the power to solve our country’s depraved economic issues. Once regulated, marijuana can start putting big figures in the industry’s appraisal.