Marijuana
I'm not a member of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), however, I am in favor of efforts to decriminalize marijuana. The impairment of one's judgement as a result of marijuana use is proven to be less than that of alcohol. While alcohol is legal and its use more widespread, there seems to be little justification for the criminalization of marijuana.
There is also evidence that suggests that marijuana has some therapeutic properties and is helpful in the treatment of glaucoma, cancer, and other maladies. Short of full legalization, marijuana should definitely be made available by prescription to help treat disease. With so few harmful, or potentially harmful, side effects when compared to other legal prescription drugs, legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes should not be controversial.
Beyond its medicinal merits, there are very practical reasons for decriminalizing marijuana. Among them is the problem of prison overcrowding. Correctional facilities are expensive to operate and maintain, and even more expensive to build. A considerable proportion of the prison population has been incarcerated for criminial offenses, directly or indirectly, related to marijauana. By making marijuana a lesser misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine, the prison population can be decreased immediately and significantly, saving taxpayers' money. Full legalization and the resulting deflation of marijuana's street value, would accomplish the further goal of reducing the number of thefts committed in order to obtain the drug.
There are also economic benefits of legalizing marijuana. The legal sale of marijuana would be subject to applicable sales taxes, providing a new source of revenue for government. Like cigarettes, special additional taxes can be imposed creating even more revenue. Since the price of marijuana would drop dramatically upon its legalization, it could be taxed at an extremely high rate without presenting a burden to its buyer.
Marijuana is not without its problems, though. While its side effects pale in comparison to other current legal drugs, it use can lead to lung cancer, emphysema, and other complications effected by smoking. Many studies also indicate that marijuana use can lead to more dangerous drugs. The same may be said of alcohol. Probably the most compelling arguement against legalization is its use with motor vehicles. Driving under the influence of any controlled substance jeopardizes the lives and well being of other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. Again, this danger is no more prevalent with marijuana than with alcohol.
Marijuana offers many possibilities with medicne and should be decriminalized at least for that reason. Given the legality of alcohol and the many practical benefits of legalizing marijuana, full legalization appears to be justified as well. One must realize, however, that marijuana is, in fact, a hallucinogen and should be regulated as a controlled substance. Its posession, sale, and use should be legal, however, its misuse should remain illegal just as it is with alcohol.
There is also evidence that suggests that marijuana has some therapeutic properties and is helpful in the treatment of glaucoma, cancer, and other maladies. Short of full legalization, marijuana should definitely be made available by prescription to help treat disease. With so few harmful, or potentially harmful, side effects when compared to other legal prescription drugs, legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes should not be controversial.
Beyond its medicinal merits, there are very practical reasons for decriminalizing marijuana. Among them is the problem of prison overcrowding. Correctional facilities are expensive to operate and maintain, and even more expensive to build. A considerable proportion of the prison population has been incarcerated for criminial offenses, directly or indirectly, related to marijauana. By making marijuana a lesser misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine, the prison population can be decreased immediately and significantly, saving taxpayers' money. Full legalization and the resulting deflation of marijuana's street value, would accomplish the further goal of reducing the number of thefts committed in order to obtain the drug.
There are also economic benefits of legalizing marijuana. The legal sale of marijuana would be subject to applicable sales taxes, providing a new source of revenue for government. Like cigarettes, special additional taxes can be imposed creating even more revenue. Since the price of marijuana would drop dramatically upon its legalization, it could be taxed at an extremely high rate without presenting a burden to its buyer.
Marijuana is not without its problems, though. While its side effects pale in comparison to other current legal drugs, it use can lead to lung cancer, emphysema, and other complications effected by smoking. Many studies also indicate that marijuana use can lead to more dangerous drugs. The same may be said of alcohol. Probably the most compelling arguement against legalization is its use with motor vehicles. Driving under the influence of any controlled substance jeopardizes the lives and well being of other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. Again, this danger is no more prevalent with marijuana than with alcohol.
Marijuana offers many possibilities with medicne and should be decriminalized at least for that reason. Given the legality of alcohol and the many practical benefits of legalizing marijuana, full legalization appears to be justified as well. One must realize, however, that marijuana is, in fact, a hallucinogen and should be regulated as a controlled substance. Its posession, sale, and use should be legal, however, its misuse should remain illegal just as it is with alcohol.
posted by Beau Guthrie | 9:10 AM
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