Pros and Cons About Legalizing Marijuana

The legalization of marijuana has been debated for a long time.

The "great marijuana debate" goes on, with no less than Barack Obama stirring the hornet's nest. The president failed to answer directly a question about marijuana, stirring speculation that he favors legalizing the drug. Because the topic of whether to legalize marijuana has been argued for so long and so often, many arguments and counter-arguments exist.

Both Sides' Arguments

Negative answers to the question "Would you want your children to smoke marijuana?" are the most convincing arguments of those who oppose the legalization of marijuana. On the other side, the monetary argument is most convincing, where estimates are made both on potential law-enforcement savings and on potential revenue generated from taxes on growing, producing and consuming marijuana. Proponents argue that because most lawbreakers caught using marijuana get only a "slap on the wrist" anyway, savings and revenue might as well be realized.

Health Arguments

The anti-legalization side argues that marijuana is addictive and a health hazard, eliciting a pro-legalization argument that counters "only if taken frequently and in large doses." The critics cite studies that link the drug to cancer, respiratory problems, heart attack and damage to the immune system, noting that short-term hazards include memory loss, distorted perception and loss of motor skill. The proponents say marijuana helps increase appetite and relieve symptoms of glaucoma, with the critics countering there are better drugs for these conditions. Proponents for legalization argue that if marijuana is grown legally, cures for other ills could be found.

Hazards to Others

Critics argue that marijuana is a hazard not only to users but also to those around them, similar to second-hand tobacco smoke. They also cite statistics that link marijuana usage to crime and driving accidents, saying marijuana affects the ability to concentrate, stay alert, coordinate and react, making it difficult to judge distances, read signs and react to signals. Proponents argue that the same happens with consumption of alcohol and at times with tobacco smoking, both of which are legal.

Following Tobacco and Alcohol

Proponents say limitations on alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking can be imposed on marijuana use. An age limit can be imposed, and there can be restricted-use locales as well as mandated labels on packaging citing marijuana's potential health dangers. The critics counter that alcohol and tobacco are not as dangerous and do not lead to deadlier drugs later in life, alleging as well that proponents for legalization aim to get stronger drugs legalized later.

Gateway Arguments

Critics cite studies that indicate few users of drugs other than marijuana have done so without first having tried marijuana. They conclude that marijuana leads to the use of more dangerous, harder drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. Proponents argue that not all marijuana users end up using the stronger drugs and not all users of stronger drugs have tried marijuana. The critics counter that marijuana takes away inhibitions to drug use and promotes a culture that allows the use of other drugs.

References

• Drug Policy: Myths and Facts About Marijuana
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: Exposing the Myth of Smoked Medical Marijuana