Why Weed Should Be Legalized in America Essay

Weed commonly known as marijuana is one of the uttermost common drugs used in the United States of America. Weed is an illegal drug which the Federal Law classifies as a schedule one substance. The debate over legalization of weed in America has led to many opinions and overall arguments for and against it. Legalization of weed has been a controversial matter though it should not be an issue. The substance has been tested with results indicating a positive impact on America such as medical benefits, economic relief and reduced crime which are all significantly important for the county's future. Hence weed should be legalized in the United States of America.

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Many people view weed as an unhealthy drug, on the contrary, I see it as an important substance with medical capabilities hence a help to the society. As a drug weed has negative effects on health, however, we cannot overlook the benefits it has for those in pain. The substance has proven medical benefits which include alleviating and in some instances, stunting or repressing expansion of various diseases and ailments such as glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and AIDS (Goldstein 46). Weed can relieve pain, suppress nausea and also help with insomnia (Lehne 30). Weed is a powerful stimulant that also helps to improve appetite especially for patients with AIDS or eating disorders (Caulkins and Hawkins 120). Some states in America have allowed the use of the substance solely for medical purposes while the same is happening in Canada. Therefore, since states and countries have allowed weed usage for medical reasons with no negative effects, then it should be legalized.Moreover, legalization of weed will lead to a reduction in the crime rates in America hence free up resources. A large population of individuals in prisons result from weed related crimes either using or selling, therefore, legalization will reduce crime rates as individuals will be able to purchase it legally. Consequently, it will free up extra space in jails for real crimes, save taxpayers money and also relieve stress for the police (Caulkins and Hawkins 120). Additionally, weed is less harmful to people's health unlike other legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco. It is easier to access weed than alcohol which is regulated since dealers sell it to anyone irrespective of their age making it easily accessible to even students. Legalization of weed would thus limit teenagers from accessing the drug.

Legalization of weed would also have an economic relief for America. Each year, America spends billions of dollars on prisoners mostly incarcerated due to weed related crimes. Much of taxpayers money is lost through the war on drugs which requires a huge amount of resources (Goldstein 64). Therefore, regulation of the drug would lead to a saving of taxpayers money thereby helping to bring America out of its economic struggle. Legalization would benefit states through the provision of revenue from taxation on the drug.

Despite the benefits, there are opponents of legalization who argue that weed is a drug that alters the mind, therefore, should not be legalized. Many Americans including teenagers use weed illegally hence increasing the rate of school drop out. Proponents maintain that weed is addictive, dangerous, and that it can lead to the use of other lethal drugs such as heroin and cocaine (Goldstein 95). Subsequently, the proponents see weed as a gateway drug which leads people to more dangerous drugs. Additionally, legalization critics argue that weed is a key reason why individuals commit crimes since the substance makes them lose control. Moreover, opponents argue that second-hand smoke from weed pose health risks to the public.

Conclusion

In conclusion, considering both sides of this issue, it is quite clear that legalizing weed will not greatly increase the use of this drug but will be of significant help to the United States of America. The substance should be legalized since it has some medicinal value and will boost the economy through taxation from the sale in regulated outlets. Weed is the most widely used illicit drug with high demand and people will continue to use it whether it is legal or not. Such high demand is only met through smuggling by criminals, therefore, if America was to have a legitimate market then the rates of crime and theft would reduce tremendously. From my research, I have come to a conclusion that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks hence weed should be legalized in America.

Works Cited

Caulkins, J. P., and A. Hawken. Marijuana legalization: What everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press, 2012.

Goldstein, M. J. Legalizing Marijuana: Promises and Pitfalls. Lerner Publishing Group, 2017.

Lehne, R. A. Pharmacology for nursing care. 8th ed., Elsevier Saunders, 2013.