The Benefits of Legalization

Through an increase in the knowledge base surrounding marijuana, the substantial economical and medical benefits, and lack of significant drawbacks, support the notion of reformation in current marijuana legislation. This reform would restrict consumption in any instances that endangered the wellbeing of any individuals, but would still defend the basic freedoms that are part of this country. America was structured in a way that protected its citizens against oppressive laws and inhibition of liberties, yet we still have legislation in place that prohibits americans from right to express their personal freedoms.

Americans still maintain this freedom of choice in similar areas, such as alcohol and tobacco, but there are restrictions put into place that help prevent danger to those around them. Such limitations include laws governing driving while intoxicated, and smoking in certain areas such as airplanes, gas stations, or near schools. These regulations are designed to make sure that citizens can exercise and enjoy their right to choose, but that general public safety is still intact. Despite the vast amounts of evidence detailing the harmful effects of both alcohol and tobacco, citizens are still allowed to choose to partake in the use of these substances. Marijuana, on the other hand, is less harmful than both of these substances, yet is completely federally prohibited.

 

Still, one might argue that the preexisting legality of other more harmful substances does not serve as valid justification to legalize cannabis use, but in fact, marijuana can actually prove beneficial in certain areas. In the health field, for example, cannabis can be used as a muscle relaxer, which helps in treatments of Multiple Sclerosis, seizures, and Tourette's Syndrome. The appetite boosting effects also prove promising in use with cancer patients who are struggling to eat. Further, THC, the active ingredient of marijuana, blocks deposits in the brain that cause Alzheimer’s Disease.

Health Benefits of Marijuana

Source. October 14, 2012

These points show the higher potential for improvements to public health, but possible benefits are often outweighed by speculation over whether or not marijuana might lead to use of harder, more harmful drugs. While it may be possible that marijuana can act as a “gateway drug”, the fact remains the legality, or lack thereof, has little to no effect on the drug’s popularity or availability among many places in society. One study shows that, among American teenagers, 40% said they could obtain marijuana within a day, and 25% said they could acquire it in under an hour. The survey went on to provide data showing that, in "teens between the ages of 12 and 17 say it's easier to get marijuana than buy cigarettes, beer, or prescription drugs". These figures illustrate that, despite the law's stance on marijuana, it is still readily available to a significant portion of the population. In this sense, any gateway effects of marijuana are largely unrelated to the legislation surrounding its use, as legality has very little influence in its presence or availability.

Availability of Marijuana

Percent of students who reported easy availability of
substances at school, by student's grade level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Household Education Survey, Youth interviews, spring 1993

So, if cannabis will continue to be used regardless of whether it is legal or not, it would make sense to provide it in a safe, controlled manner. By distributing the substance from government sanctioned dispensaries, the product could be properly regulated, so consumers know exactly what they are purchasing. This would also eliminate interactions with criminal drug dealers, and any hazards that accompany nefarious activities. In addition to increased safety, dispensaries would also present the opportunity to enact a tax on the sale of marijuana. As a widely used product, the financial potential behind this could prove immensely beneficial to our troubled economy. Similar to the current state and federal taxes on alcohol and tobacco, such excised good can generate a significant increase in revenue. This additional income could be used any number of areas in society that could use extra income. In the example of Amendment 64 in Colorado, tax revenues would go towards programs involving substance abuse prevention and research, increased funding for the public education system, and more widely accessible healthcare. The economical benefits go beyond simply generating more income, as they would allow us to save money as well. Currently, a substantial amount of tax payer’s dollars are going to pay for inmates jailed on petty cannabis charges. These individuals pose little actual threat to society, yet are expensive to keep in correctional facilities. Furthermore, their absence would free up spaces in overcrowded prisons, allowing room for more dangerous or threatening criminals.

Yearly Arrests Related to Marijuana

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

The positive effects outlined above, including benefits in logistical, medical, and economic areas, provide substantial evidence that the government sanctioned use of cannabis in a safe and responsible manner would prove immensely advantageous to many problems that plague American society today. Consequently, we feel that the government should rethink its policy on marijuana. Much like alcohol, the substance should be legal to those over 21, with restrictions placed on things like smoking while driving and smoking around schools, hospitals, etc. In this sense, people would be free to enjoy their freedom of choice, but must do so in a way that does not endanger other people.