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Post 2 replies of at least 150 words.For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 2 scholarlycitations in APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years.Acceptable sources include your text, a professional journal, a professional or governmentwebsite (such as CDC), and the Bible, etc.
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There are many pros and cons of legalizing marijuana. There are instances and places where
marijuana is legal and it tends to lessen mobs and organized crimes, decrease the load and
inconsistency within the criminal justice system, and it creates profitable revenues within the
economy especially regarding taxation (Farrelly et al., 2023). Individuals who use marijuana
have reported that they are more relaxed, they have less anxiety, and they feel they are more
social around others (Hall, 2020). There are potential harmful effects of the legalization of
marijuana in communities. Regarding the acute harm of marijuana, there is a growth seen in car
and roadway crashes with those under the influence of marijuana, although these crashes are less
than those who have been drinking alcohol (Hall, 2020). Some of the psychological effects
include a person having acute anxiety, heart palpitations, and even manic psychological episodes
(Hall, 2020). When an individual uses marijuana every day, there is the potential likelihood that
they will become dependent on it. People who use marijuana can develop different mental
disorders, begin using other abused substances, and even become violent by displaying antisocial behavior (Hall, 2020). When a person uses marijuana each day over a long period of time,
their chances of contracting a heart condition or even cancer are at a greater risk although it is
significantly less seen in those who use other illicit drugs (Hall, 2020). As far as my opinion on
the legalization of marijuana, I remain on the fence. On one hand, there will always be
individuals who abuse something, but on the other, there are benefits to people who have pain
due to cancer or another underlying illness and this helps them tremendously to keep their pain at
ease. 1 Corinthians 6:12 states, “’All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All
things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything” (English Standard
Version, 2011). We all have standards in which we live, and one thing that might work for one
person, might not work for the next. If nothing controls us, we should be fine and we need to
keep our faith in God strong.
References
English Standard Version. (2011). BibleGateway.com
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+6%3A12&version=ES
VLinks to an external site.
Farrelly, K. N., Wardell, J. D., Marsden, E., Scarfe, M. L., Najdzionek, P., Turna, J., &
MacKillop, J. (2023, May 9). The impact of recreational cannabis legalization on cannabis use
and associated outcomes: A systematic review. Substance abuse: research and
treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10176789/#:~:text=The%20
extant%20literature%20revealed%20mixed,use%20rates%2C%20substance%20use%20r
atesLinks to an external site.
Hall, W. (2020, September). The costs and benefits of cannabis control policies . Dialogues in
clinical neuroscience. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7605025/Links to
an external site.
Reply: 150 words
Factors Prompting Legalization
Medical Benefits: One of the primary drivers has been the growing recognition of marijuana’s potential
medical benefits. Research has shown its effectiveness in treating conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy,
and nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Economic Benefits: Legalization has brought economic advantages, including increased tax revenue and
the creation of jobs in the cannabis industry. States have seen substantial tax income from marijuana
sales.
Social Justice: Concerns over the disproportionate impact of marijuana prohibition on minority
communities and the inequities in drug-related arrests have prompted legalization. Some states have
sought to address these disparities through legalization and expungement of prior convictions.
Public Opinion: Changing public attitudes towards marijuana have played a significant role. Many
Americans now view marijuana as less harmful than alcohol and support its legalization.
Negative Consequences:
Health Concerns: Legalization has raised health concerns, particularly about the potential for increased
youth use, addiction, and the long-term health effects of marijuana, especially in high-potency forms.
Traffic Safety: There are concerns about impaired driving under the influence of marijuana, as its
psychoactive effects can impair cognitive and motor skills.
Conflict with Federal Law: Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, creating legal and financial
challenges for businesses operating in states where it’s legal.
Black Market: Despite legalization efforts, the black market for marijuana still exists, especially in states
with high taxes and strict regulations.
Positive Consequences:
Tax Revenue: Legalization has generated significant tax revenue, which can be used for public programs,
infrastructure, and education.
Reduced Arrests: Legalization has led to a decrease in arrests for marijuana-related offenses, reducing
the burden on the criminal justice system and reducing the impact on individuals with prior convictions.
Job Creation: The cannabis industry has created jobs, from cultivation and distribution to retail and
ancillary services.
Access to Medical Marijuana: Legalization has expanded access to medical marijuana for patients in
need, improving their quality of life.
My personal stance on legalizing marijuana is one of cautious support. I believe in a well-regulated
system that allows adults to make informed choices while protecting public health and safety.
Legalization should be accompanied by comprehensive education campaigns, strict regulations, and
robust monitoring to minimize negative consequences. Additionally, addressing the historical injustices
related to marijuana arrests and convictions is essential.
The decision to legalize marijuana should be made at the state level, allowing for flexibility to address
unique regional concerns. Federal decriminalization or regulation may also be necessary to provide
clarity and consistency across the nation.
Overall, I support the legalization of marijuana when it is approached responsibly and with consideration
of potential consequences, both positive and negative, on individuals, families, and communities.
References
Factors Prompting Legalization:
1.
Pacula, R. L., Jacobson, M., & Maksabedian, E. J. (2016). In the weeds: A baseline view of
cannabis use among legalizing states and their neighbors. The National Bureau of Economic Research.
(https://www.nber.org/papers/w21345)
2.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2020). Key
Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey
on Drug Use and Health.
(https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29394/2019NSDUHFFRPDFWHTML/2019
NSDUHFFR090120.htm)
Negative Consequences:
1.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2021). Marijuana.
(https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana)
2.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2021). Marijuana-Impaired
Driving: A Report to Congress. (https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/14726marijuana-impaired-driving-report-to-congress.pdf)
Positive Consequences:
1.
Colorado Department of Revenue. (2021). Marijuana Tax Data.
(https://data.colorado.gov/Revenue/Marijuana-Tax-Data/53v2-nd4v)
2.
Anderson, D. M., Hansen, B., & Rees, D. I. (2015). Medical Marijuana Laws, Traffic
Fatalities, and Alcohol Consumption. Journal of Law and Economics, 58(2), 333-369.
(https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/682343)
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