Legalizing marijuana is a topic that has received a lot of attention in the news lately. Much of this attention is due to California's proposed ballot to legalize cannabis. Legalizing cannabis has brought out its share of supporters and detractors. Many organizations have been lobbying the government to legalize marijuana by arguing that that marijuana has more medical advantages than drawbacks. Others think it has long lasting negative affects on the user and society. Because the result has been a great deal of misinformation being spread in an effort to sway voters to vote against legalizing cannabis, it is important to understand the fine points of legalizing cannabis.
Marijuana or cannabis refers to the preparation of the cannabis plant for human use. Every year, billions of dollars are being spent on pharmaceutical drugs. Today, addiction to prescription drugs is becoming more prevalent than addiction to recreational drugs. Marijuana does not have the chemical dependency that other drugs have, including prescription drugs. The overuse of prescription drugs can damage such organs as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Cannabis is a natural plant that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.Alcoholism is a major problem in the US. Every year, thousands of people are critically injured and even die in alcohol related vehicle accidents. Teenagers are involved in many alcohol related accidents. Many young people have died from alcohol poisoning. Alcohol is a depressant and distorts a person's thinking resulting in fights and other violent acts. As well, long term heavy use of alcohol can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. With all of the negative things associated with the consumption of alcohol, it is now part of our culture.
Legalizing marijuana allows society and law enforcement to concentrate on the harder more dangerous drugs such as LSD, PCP, crack/cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and crystal meth. In fact, tobacco and alcohol have an addiction quality that is closer to hard drugs than cannabis. Meth and crack/cocaine destroys users, their families, and communities. It also brings out violent behavior and increases crime.
Marijuana arrests are disproportionate by race. African-Americans make up 26% of all marijuana use arrests and Hispanics make up a higher amount of arrests. Approximately 70% of white cannabis users account for less than half of arrests. As well, the punishments are also disproportionate. White offenders will normally receive a lighter sentence while minorities will receive harsher sentences.
Cannabis arrests are a financial drain on society. Police have less time to focus of serious crimes such as murders. The courts are clogged with cases, jails are overloaded with prisoners, and the money spent on imprisoning marijuana users is about $35, 000 per year.
Legalized marijuana keeps money in the U.S. and out of foreign cartels such as violent drug cartels in Mexico and Afghanistan. As well, legalizing marijuana will reduce the funds going to terrorists such as in Afghanistan. As well, the US spends millions of dollars each year fighting a drug war it cannot win. The reason why they cannot win: the demand in the US is too high so there will always be a market. Â Legalizing cannabis will save lives and generate billions of dollars in revenue. The money could be used to fund education, help to balance deficits, and fight harder drugs. As well, cannabis has medical benefits for such diseases like cancer and AIDS.
There are many benefits to legalizing marijuana. Unfortunately, those against it seem to believe there is some moral issue although there are many more drugs that are legal that have caused great harm. With a little education, hopefully more people will see that legalizing cannabis will not destroy the moral fabric of society.
Marijuana or cannabis refers to the preparation of the cannabis plant for human use. Every year, billions of dollars are being spent on pharmaceutical drugs. Today, addiction to prescription drugs is becoming more prevalent than addiction to recreational drugs. Marijuana does not have the chemical dependency that other drugs have, including prescription drugs. The overuse of prescription drugs can damage such organs as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Cannabis is a natural plant that has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.Alcoholism is a major problem in the US. Every year, thousands of people are critically injured and even die in alcohol related vehicle accidents. Teenagers are involved in many alcohol related accidents. Many young people have died from alcohol poisoning. Alcohol is a depressant and distorts a person's thinking resulting in fights and other violent acts. As well, long term heavy use of alcohol can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. With all of the negative things associated with the consumption of alcohol, it is now part of our culture.
Legalizing marijuana allows society and law enforcement to concentrate on the harder more dangerous drugs such as LSD, PCP, crack/cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and crystal meth. In fact, tobacco and alcohol have an addiction quality that is closer to hard drugs than cannabis. Meth and crack/cocaine destroys users, their families, and communities. It also brings out violent behavior and increases crime.
Marijuana arrests are disproportionate by race. African-Americans make up 26% of all marijuana use arrests and Hispanics make up a higher amount of arrests. Approximately 70% of white cannabis users account for less than half of arrests. As well, the punishments are also disproportionate. White offenders will normally receive a lighter sentence while minorities will receive harsher sentences.
Cannabis arrests are a financial drain on society. Police have less time to focus of serious crimes such as murders. The courts are clogged with cases, jails are overloaded with prisoners, and the money spent on imprisoning marijuana users is about $35, 000 per year.
Legalized marijuana keeps money in the U.S. and out of foreign cartels such as violent drug cartels in Mexico and Afghanistan. As well, legalizing marijuana will reduce the funds going to terrorists such as in Afghanistan. As well, the US spends millions of dollars each year fighting a drug war it cannot win. The reason why they cannot win: the demand in the US is too high so there will always be a market. Â Legalizing cannabis will save lives and generate billions of dollars in revenue. The money could be used to fund education, help to balance deficits, and fight harder drugs. As well, cannabis has medical benefits for such diseases like cancer and AIDS.
There are many benefits to legalizing marijuana. Unfortunately, those against it seem to believe there is some moral issue although there are many more drugs that are legal that have caused great harm. With a little education, hopefully more people will see that legalizing cannabis will not destroy the moral fabric of society.