Do we Dare? The impact of the legalization of marijuana

 The legalization of marijuana is and has always has been a very controversial situation. It is important when considering the legalization of marijuana to focus not only on the benefits it can provide, but also the negative impact it could potentially cause to our society.


IS it worth it?

 In today’s society marijuana has evolved into one of the most widely used substance in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse a recent study found that 31.6% of people aged 18-25 in the United States have tried marijuana in the past year. The survey also gathered results from the same age group and found that 51.9% of people have tried in their lifetime. As one of the most commonly used substance, 3^rd most used to be exact, is becoming more and more popular. With that being said a wider use of a substance provides more opportunity of being caught with that certain substance. The survey also shared results of the statistics of 26 years and older, with a slightly less percentage at 45.7% who said they have tried the substance in their life. To no surprise when asked if they have tried it in the last year, the survey found a much lower number at 9.2%. I didn't find this all that surprising, as I feel it’s the turning point of a lot of young business professionals just beginning their careers.

Drug	Time Period	Ages 12 or Older	Ages 12 to 17	Ages 18 to 25	Ages 26 or Older
Marijuana/ Hashish	Lifetime	43.70	16.40	51.90	45.70
	Past Year	12.60	13.40	31.60	9.20
	Past Month	7.50	7.10	19.10	5.
National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Trends in Prevalence of Marijuana/ Hashish for Ages 12 or Older, Ages 12 to 17, Ages 18 to 25, and Ages 26 or Older; 2013 (in percent)*

 Is There another way?

In 2013 there were 1,501,043 substance related arrests in the United States. According to drugwarfacts 82.3% or 1,235,358 arrests were for a violation of a controlled substance. Only 17.7% (265,685) were for the sale or manufacturing of a drug. Of the 1,253,358 people who were arrested for a controlled substance 40.6% of them were arrested for the use of marijuana. Nearly twice as many as the next controlled substances, heroin, cocaine, and derivatives. With so many arrests it is becoming much more difficult to find prison space for individuals who committed violent acts of crime. The argument to legalize marijuana is a never ending debate. Whether you support it or not, you can’t undermine the potential benefits as well as threats marijuana could potentially provide if legalized. In a recent article from the Washington post it mentions how Colorado and Washington are changing the world. It discussed a lot of important information, such as how other countries are taking note on how America has slowly successfully managed to closely manage marijuana correctly. The article also shows overwhelming support coming out of Washington and Colorado. The only drawback? Many will argue that the legalization of marijuana will provide a plentiful of jobs throughout the United States. I certainly agree, as most should, but let us not forget the administrations that were created for specific reasons such as policing the use of marijuana. The legalization of marijuana would be a huge lmpact on the United States that is clearly a given, it is just uncertain what kind of impact it may provide. In a recent study from medical marijuana Marijuana has slowly transpired into one of the most widely used substances because it not only is used legally as a recreational substance in 4 states but also because it is legalized in 23 states as well as DC for medicinal purposes. I truly believe that if America was to legalize marijuana then we are doing it the right way. I agree that each state should have their own laws on how they perceive marijuana. Especially since marijuana is a State regulation and not a federal regulation. Meaning at any given time the marijuana business could shut down as a whole and leave thousands of employees unemployed.

Are there any Drawbacks?

Just like any change, you are always going to get positive and negative support and reactions throughout the United States. I recently read an article that shows the amount of money Colorado brought in from their first full year of recreational legalized pot and was astonished at the amount of money brought in. However, the next article took a much different approach and focused on the negative impacts in Colorado since the legalization of recreational marijuana. In a recent study by the Denver post I was amazed to find out that the homeless rate in Denver has increased vastly due to the use of marijuana. When I first read this articles title I immediately thought that the main reason these young men and women were homeless was due to the purchasing of marijuana. However, after looking more in depth into the article I found that the homeless rate had increased in Denver, but not because of the purchasing of marijuana. The study suggests that the homeless rate has skyrocketed due to the fact that homeless people in surrounding states have decided to make their way to Colorado, and set up base in a homeless shelter where they are provided food, water, and housing till they get back on their feet. In the article it mentions a man by the name of Dusty Taylor who had been homeless for 5 years before his mother pleaded him to come home to Missouri. After agreeing to come home on his bus trip his mother told him he would have to give up marijuana and change to pills to help cope with his seizures. Dusty responded by saying “I’m not going to stop using something organic” “I don’t like the pills” and then decided a homeless shelter in Colorado is better than home with his family in Missouri.

Legalize or Decriminalize?

The legalization or decriminalization of marijuana has been an ever disputed topic. Both sides, whether you are for the legalization of marijuana or not bring great discussion that can only benefit our decision in the long run. In today’s society when discussing why it should or should not be legalized we need to provide key pieces of evidence that support your beliefs. The constant answer we get for why we should legalize marijuana is for taxes. As appealing as that sounds, there are much more and even more beneficial arguments on marijuana then taxing it. Potentially one of the biggest arguments from both sides though is whether or not marijuana is a gateway drug. According to drugabuse.org to no surprise people who have moved on to much harder substances that all began with marijuana. The site also mentions that the most people who use marijuana do not find desire to try a harder substance. I strongly believe marijuana is a gateway drug, but not because it tempts you to try other drugs. Simply for the fact that you are much more likely to be introduced to a harder substance if you start smoking marijuana, rather than if you would have never began smoking it. Let me put it like this. If an individual begins smoking pot and enjoys it he is going to want more. Only problem? He doesn't know where to find it. When he does so happen to find it, it happens to be in a gentleman’s hand whom he has no clue about and vice versa. With that being said the dealer will then start seeing the guy as a customer for other substances rather than just marijuana, and at last you have opened yourself up to other drugs without even knowing it because you trusted your dealer. If you legalize marijuana you lose the middle man and opportunity to sell other drugs. Lastly, one of the most important things we need to take into consideration is that marijuana is going to affect each person differently, just like alcohol which is legal. If you were to ask me how I felt at this moment on whether or not marijuana should be legalized I would have a hard time explaining what I truly believe. In one instance I think great we can tax, slow down the drug on war, and even manage our marijuana users more efficiently as you would have all their personal data in a file. But on the other hand, the potential of marijuana abuse is greater, as I stated above homeless rates may increase, or more importantly how business owners and managers would police marijuana had it become legalized. I truly believe America has a long way to go until we find the right solution for marijuana. However, I believe its best if not to legalize it, then at least decriminalize it.