Legalizing Marijuana Research Paper

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Legalization of Marijuana
Legalization of marijuana has been an issue for heated discussions for decades. For many, marijuana is a drug that is associated only with negative impacts such as addiction, adverse health effects, and social problems. However, numerous social, medical, and economic studies showcase that such a concept is stereotypical and needs revision.
Firstly, the drug possesses a high therapeutic value and has a range of implications that is second to no other plant. Using cannabis for medical purposes is nothing new. Indeed, the first written references of its medical usage date back more than five thousand years ago. THC in marijuana helps to relieve pain, reduce nausea, and …show more content…
economy. It is hard to believe, but current marijuana policies cost taxpayers as much as 42 billion dollars per year (Hardy). Utah laws state that possession of an ounce of cannabis or more can lead to six months in jail. The laws also enforce taxpayers to cover expenses for every individual who is imprisoned for use, possession, or distribution of marijuana. As it has been estimated in a Harvard study, nearly 7 billion dollars are spent annually on catching marijuana offenders (Miron). On the contrary, if cannabis were legalized and taxed like other commercial goods, the federal government would receive substantial amounts of money that could be used for the vital social needs. It has been estimated that the tax revenues drawn from marijuana would exceed 8 billion if taxed like alcohol or tobacco …show more content…
They argue that legalization may lead to the growing consumption of marijuana in the population and raise a question of legalization of much more dangerous drugs. Thankfully, there are simple solutions to these problems. By increasing and decreasing taxes, the government can control how much marijuana is used. Additionally, only those who are 21 and over would be allowed to buy marijuana in special stores accredited by the government. The legalization of other kinds of narcotic substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin should not arise as these are in a different category of drugs with much higher health

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