Pros – Arguments For Legalization of Pot
- There are many health benefits to pot use, especially for pain reduction, many of which aren’t covered by medical prescription laws.
- Limiting its use intrudes on our personal freedom.
- The drug generally is not more harmful than alcohol, tobacco, or many over-the-counter medications & supplements.
- Police, court, and jail resources would be freed up for more dangerous crimes.
- Legalization of any drugs would mean lower prices; therefore, related crimes like robbery used to raise money would be reduced.
- Drug dealers, including some terrorists, would suffer a major loss of revenue.
- Street justice related to drug disputes would be reduced.
- Legalized pot could be taxed, which would bring in badly-needed tax revenue.
- The FDA or other oversight bodies could regulate the quality and safety of the drug.
- Like alcohol, sex, and cigarettes, pot is one of life’s little pleasures that should be available to those who seek it.
- Aside from recreational and medical use, Cannabis has several industrial and commercial uses. Over 25,000 products can be made from the crop.
- Research studies related to the use of marijuana cannot be completed due to its illegality, so both positive and negative effects cannot be ascertained.
- In America, people should be able to do whatever they want provided it doesn’t hurt or infringe upon the rights of others.
- Drug convictions often trap young people in a flawed justice system that turns them into lifelong criminals. A harmless conviction is stamped to their permanent record which hurts them in the job market.
- It’d be fun to see what commercials and ads companies come up with to sell pot.
Cons – Arguments Against Legalization of Pot
- Marijuana is often uses as a stepping-stone drug, leading to harder drug use such as heroin and cocaine.
- Legalization increases the chances the drug will fall into the hands of kids.
- Stoned driving and other dangers would increase.
- Use of the drug can lead to damage to the brain, heart, and lungs.
- Widespread use would increase the dangers of secondhand smoke to bystanders.
- Legalizing pot is a slippery slope that may lead to calls for legalization of more dangerous, addictive drugs.
Recommended Solution
- Legalize pot at the federal level for both medicinal and recreational use; applies only to adults in private or designated public locations.
- Remove all banking/financial restrictions for producers and sellers.
- Allow use by minors in limited medicinal cases if approved by both a parent and a physician.
- Levy a small national tax on producers, sellers, and buyers.
- Allow states to set age requirements and any other restrictions.
- Harshly punish use of pot while driving or engaging in any other activity that threatens public safety.
- Make it a federal crime to sell marijuana to a minor.
Final Message from Mr. Mackey
Written by: Joe Messerli
Last Modified: 3/3/2019