Most common folks in America, namely myself, are not that knowledgeable when it comes to the subject matter of decriminalizing marijuana but many can see some pros and cons to its legalization and the continuance of its use and possession being a criminal act.
Haven't there always been drug wars in Mexico? Is it possible that the recent publicity of drug wars may be that it has reached international news once again? Could it also be possible that it is unlikely or a little too late to protect our borders much more than it is presently being guarded from this type of smuggling?
I am assuming that the biggest asset of legalizing marijuana would be the billions of dollars its legalization would bring to the United States in tax dollars to an economy that needs fortifying. Plus, regulation of the substance would most likely eliminate a contaminated product being circulated.
The biggest problem that this writer can see with the legalization of marijuana would be the additional number of teens who would attempt to self-medicate when there are presently many using the substance to already self-medicate rather than take, or continue to take, prescription drugs. If a large number of teens are self-medicating, most likely adults are self-medicating on the substance as well. It is possible with legalization that the substance would become less available for this type of crutch or preference for our young people?
Plus, it most certainly could be debatable that smoking marijuana could harm the lungs as much as cigarettes; and there always becomes the risk of exposure to second-hand smoke in any type of smoking? Studies reveal that there are a lot of medical debates being held on this subject matter.
The use and possession of a small amount of marijuana is legal in the following countries: Argentina, certain regions of Australia, Belgium, Colombia and in Nepal it is not legal but highly acceptable in holy men ~ smuggling and growing are punishable in Nepal but use and possession of small amounts are overlooked.
Further, it becomes likely that the use of marijuana could decline if it were not forbidden and would become more challenging to fall into the hands of teens. It is after all, illegal for teens to buy cigarettes and this has reduced the chance of health risks and nicotine addiction. Is marijuana addictive? Or does it become less attractive to legalize because of society abusing it and falling into a profile of being addictive psychologically?
As for marijuana leading to harder drug use, I would think not unless a person is so inclined to becoming addictive or to self-medicate. Would this addictiveness be similar to some users of substances being able to drink one or two drinks and other people continuing to drink excessively?
Those are my thoughts from a view point of playing devil's advocate. I personally believe that it would be morally wrong to legalize marijuana or any controlled substance for that matter. I also find it highly unlikely that President Obama is considering the legalization of marijuana anytime soon if ever. However, the subject is continually being addressed in the news.
Footnote: While out mowing the yard today, I was thinking back when I knew all my neighbors and before children of the neighbors that I still do know grew to be teenagers or young adults now using and/or selling pot and I ask you this ~ How safe is any neighborhood from drug trafficking? Our children are exposed to drug traffic not only at schools but in the very neighborhoods we live. Dope is just not being sold in the hood but in our neighborhoods.
Scary business but almost more scarier is the fact that pornography is legal and very addictive and tearing away at the very fabric of our society with profound social consequences. How many forms of it is in existence? I say get it off TV, off the Internet and close all adult book stores. I've done enough thinking about these corruptive matters and this is an article about something else ~ it is all very mind boggling! Can we still stop the earth and get off? (added 5/5/08)
tweet this!
