America is a country that has been plagued by drug abuse for a long time now. By closely looking at our society today, one does not fail to notice that there is an emerging culture consisting of especially young people that heavily rely on drugs. Society has unashamedly let drug addicts come up with a proposition to legalize narcotics. One of these narcotics is marijuana. Drug abusers argue that marijuana is a source of medicine for people undergoing intense pain and should therefore be legalized. The faction that intends to legalize marijuana should be stopped before it goes as far as getting this dangerous drug legalized. Marijuana is a dangerous drug that should not be legalized even if it is in the context of it containing the medicinal value. (Vaughn)
As a community, we should see the hidden motive behind those pushing for the legalization of marijuana. By closely looking at the movement, one does not fail to notice that it does not have the backing of the American Food and Drug Administration or even health professionals. On the contrary, self-proclaimed theorists who believe that the drug should be legalized are fronting this agenda. These self-appointed groups are doing this while disregarding the consequences of their actions. These proponents claim that just like any other painkiller, marijuana is not harmful if used in the right way. However, studies on the subject have proved the opposite.
Numerous studies carried out in America show that the use of marijuana causes both physical and psychological effects. Marijuana smokers are prone to contracting cancer at a young age, becoming addicted to the drug, lacking proper coordination, and making impaired decisions. People who constantly use marijuana have also been found to be constantly depressed, being hostile, aggressive and in more severe cases may suffer memory loss. By considering these physical and psychological effects, it is clear that marijuana is a drug that should not be legalized by any means. Due to the mental effects that the drug has on people, one would find himself/herself in a difficult situation especially where they have to perform duties that require one to be alert like driving.
The argument by marijuana decriminalization crusaders that the drug relieves pain is an argument that holds no water. While this might be true, (I do not doubt it) it is important to note that the drug market is awash with other drugs that can be used to help ease the pain on these patients. We should therefore not view marijuana as the only drug that can relieve pain in a patient. The section of the society that claims that marijuana is the only drug that can ease this pain is clearly meant to mislead society. This is something that should not be allowed to happen either in this generation or in the next.
Over the years, there has been a section of society that has been fighting for the use of marijuana to be legalized. This group has actually succeeded in persuading some people into believing that the use of marijuana helps. By looking at studies carried out on the matter, one realizes that the drug actually does more harm than good. The claim by this group of campaigners that the drug relieves pain to patients who are in intense pain should not be taken seriously since other numerous drugs can play exactly the same role. The use of marijuana should therefore remain a criminal offense now and in the future.
Works Cited
Vaughn, James. Why Marijuana should not be legalized. 2005. Web.