The Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana has many uses, its dangers are exaggerated, and its prohibition fuels crime. There are many facts for and against the legalization of marijuana. There are medicinal purposes, some good, and some bad. By fact marijuana can be less dangerous than commonly used drugs. Also, there are many organizations or gangs that use the prohibition of marijuana in the United States to an advantage to make a very large income, and can be fueled by this.

Marijuana has many uses. It could be used medicinally. It helps aid’s victims by stimulating appetite, helps chemotherapy with nausea, multiple-sclerosis with muscle spasticity, and may help treat glaucoma. Also, Marijuana can be used as a recreational drug. Marijuana is already used by many in the United States, even though it is illegal. Many college students and office workers use it along with other things, such as alcohol or cigarettes. Marijuana calms the body, and induces the release of endorphins in the brain. In many cases, marijuana also induces an increase in hunger or thirst; called the, “Munchies”.

The dangers of marijuana have long been exaggerated. Such an exaggeration has kept it prohibited. Marijuana is nowhere near as dangerous as said. In example, marijuana isn’t much of a gateway drug. In a government survey, one out of a hundred people move on to heavier dugs, such as cocaine or meth. Many suggest that a majority of those that move on to heavier drugs have a background of life problems, or could only reach marijuana at that time. Also, there is a minimal risk of using the drug alone. The most damage is likely caused from respiratory problems by just smoking it. Other biological harms it is said to cause were researched through testing it on animals. However, the dose used on the animals was 1,000 times the psychoactive dose that humans would consume. According to a book, “Reefer Madness,” a marijuana user would have to smoke a hundred pounds a minute for fifteen minutes to take a fatal dose. Also, marijuana by itself has a low addictive property. Marijuana, when consumed leaves slowly, showing little if any physical withdrawal. 

Marijuana prohibition fuels crime. There are many organizations and gangs that use the prohibition of marijuana in the United States to an advantage, and sell it to make a large profit, which dramatically aids in funding. Also, there are many victims of marijuana prohibition. The dealers are apparently not as much of a concern to those against it as the people who use it medically or otherwise. The punishment for simply possession can get your house, car, or anything taken away, and you could be sent to jail for years. Many middle class citizens and students are getting caught, slowing the economy, and overpopulating prisons meant for people who actually commit serious offences. In many cases, trying to obtain marijuana can lead to danger. It can expose the buyer to crime and danger. Also, it leaves more opportunity for gangs and organizations for crime. 

In Conclusion, marijuana should be legalized. There could be a loss and a gain involved. If legalized, and regulated, marijuana could provide income, and the legalization could slow crime. Personally, I do not use marijuana, and never have, but from experience, the risks of possessing it, doesn’t seem to stop anyone whatsoever, and from watching media, it is not always severely punished by local authorities. Alcohol can be considered more dangerous than marijuana. If heavily consumed, it causes serious debilitation, and other problems, and cigarettes cause many serious problems as well. Finally, this country should take example from the other countries that legalize marijuana. Things such as marijuana have been around for a very long time, and it hasn’t stopped us from existing.