Marijuana should not be legalized in any country because it can affect our health. Consuming marijuana either excessively or rarely can cause harm to users’ bodies physically and mentally. Cannabis not only changes the behavior of a person but also their personality. In terms of mental problems, using marijuana can increase the risk of brain damage. According to the research of the Potency Monitoring Project (PNP), the intoxicating chemical inside marijuana drugs, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, can influence our brain and cause it to damage internal functions in users’ bodies. Consuming marijuana drugs can also decrease brain activity and our IQ rate. Other than that, it can affect our concentration while working on an action due to euphoria.
Euphoria is the feeling of elevated mood which is a devotion or desire and a natural incident when it arises from happy or exciting events. Usually, it is produced when an individual smokes marijuana or weed. Once it is smoked, the feeling of euphoria can be immediately absorbed in the mind and can make our attitude change aggressively, sometimes becoming unpredictable. Besides, the utilization of marijuana can stimulate the users to become addicted. According to the percentage of drug users worldwide, about 9% of drug users became addicted to marijuana as they try and take it in uncontrollable amounts. Marijuana users who want to quit have to go through cravings, anxiety, and sleeplessness stages, and then they will slowly develop normally.
Furthermore, marijuana also might affect physical problems that can lead to stunted growth for children and their further development. This is because structural changes may be found in the brain when consuming marijuana. According to North-Western Medicine, children who consume marijuana habitually can have lesser abilities and movement of their bodies. Redundant consumption of marijuana can lead any user to suffer from bronchitis disease. Scientifically, marijuana drugs contain toxins and carcinogens that can increase the prevalence of bronchitis disease. Bronchitis disease is a respiratory disease in which the mucus membrane in the lung’s bronchial way becomes aroused and shuts off the tiny air passage in the lungs, causing continuous coughing, phlegm production, and breathlessness. Essentially, spending too much on marijuana can expose drug addicts to major health problems such as bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is characterized by paroxysmal and fluctuating obstruction in airways that can lead to death.
Moreover, physical problems that affect individuals include disrupting a woman’s menstrual cycle. Excessive use of marijuana can have high chances of not getting pregnant because studies have reported that women who smoke marijuana will experience delays in pregnancy. Also, there are reports of abnormal responses in newborn babies such as being hyperactive and having accessible startle reflexes. Not only does it affect women, but also men’s sperm production based on research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
The Broader Societal Implications
In addition to health concerns, the legalization of marijuana can have broader societal implications. Legalizing marijuana may lead to increased accessibility and normalization, especially among young people. The normalization of marijuana use can contribute to a cultural shift where drug use becomes more acceptable, potentially leading to higher rates of use and addiction. This can be particularly detrimental in societies where the burden of drug addiction already poses significant public health challenges.
Economic Costs of Marijuana Legalization
The economic costs associated with the legalization of marijuana must also be considered. While proponents argue that legalization can lead to increased tax revenue and job creation, the long-term economic impact of health care costs associated with treating marijuana-related conditions can be substantial. Healthcare systems may face increased pressure due to rising cases of mental health issues, respiratory diseases, and other health complications linked to marijuana use.
Public Safety Concerns
Legalizing marijuana could also have implications for public safety. Increased availability and use of marijuana could lead to more impaired driving incidents, contributing to road accidents and fatalities. Studies have shown that marijuana impairs motor skills and reaction times, which can significantly affect driving abilities. Law enforcement agencies would need additional resources and training to manage and enforce regulations related to marijuana use and impaired driving.
Ethical Considerations and Responsibility
From an ethical standpoint, the legalization of marijuana raises questions about societal responsibility and the role of government in protecting public health. Governments have a duty to safeguard the well-being of their citizens, and legalizing a substance with known health risks may conflict with this responsibility. Policymakers must carefully weigh the potential benefits of legalization against the health and societal costs.
Academic Perspectives on Marijuana Legalization
Several academic theories can be applied to understand the implications of marijuana legalization. Public Health Theory emphasizes the importance of protecting the population’s health and preventing diseases through government policies. From this perspective, the legalization of marijuana may conflict with public health goals by increasing the prevalence of substance abuse and associated health issues.
Social Learning Theory suggests that individuals learn behaviors through observation and imitation of others, particularly those they view as role models. Legalizing marijuana could send a message that drug use is acceptable, potentially leading to increased use among impressionable individuals, especially adolescents.
Alternatives to Legalization
Instead of legalization, alternative approaches to managing marijuana use should be considered. Harm reduction strategies focus on minimizing the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with drug use without necessarily eliminating use altogether. These strategies include providing access to treatment and support for individuals struggling with addiction, implementing educational campaigns to raise awareness about the risks of marijuana use, and enforcing strict regulations to control its availability.
Decriminalization is another approach that can be explored. Decriminalizing marijuana means removing criminal penalties for possession and use while maintaining penalties for distribution and trafficking. This approach aims to reduce the burden on the criminal justice system and focus on treating addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legalization of marijuana poses significant health, societal, and ethical concerns. While the potential benefits of increased tax revenue and reduced criminal justice costs are often highlighted, the long-term health and societal costs cannot be ignored. The impact of marijuana on mental and physical health, the potential for increased addiction rates, and the broader societal implications underscore the need for cautious and evidence-based policymaking.
By considering academic theories and alternative approaches, policymakers can develop strategies that protect public health and safety while addressing the complexities of marijuana use. A balanced approach that prioritizes harm reduction, public education, and robust regulation can help mitigate the risks associated with marijuana without resorting to full legalization.