Marijuana also referred to as Cannabis
Marijuana also referred to as Cannabis, is a psychoactive drug used for recreational and medical purposes. The legalization of marijuana has attracted mixed reactions from the public and policymakers. Apart from use in medical cases, some states have also approved the use of the drug for recreational purposes. Some politicians argue that the legalization of marijuana is good for the economy from the creation of employment. There has also been an increase in budgetary savings and tax revenue for the local governments (Cheng et al.). However, it also comes with a potential cost. Even though marijuana possesses some medicinal benefits, the concerns over the negative economic, social, and health consequences should not get ignored.
In 2012, Washington and Colorado made history by voting to allow for the recreational use of marijuana followed by Oregon and Alaska in 2014 while Massachusetts, Nevada, Maine, and California followed suit in 2016 (Cheng et al.). The recreational use of marijuana has created a lot of controversies. With most of the users being young people, their future is likely to be adversely affected due to its addictive nature and the adverse health effects associated with it. The high number of marijuana users among youths is attributed to the reduced capacity to process cognitively emotional, civil, and planned occurrences such as drug intake (Yu et al.). Laws passed by states are supposed to protect the young generation, not make them vulnerable to abusing drugs. It is morally wrong to prioritize the economic benefits reaped through the sale of marijuana over the future of our generation.
The legalization of marijuana is supposed to get restricted to medical use only. The countries which have made Cannabis legal to take for recreational purposes ought to reconsider their decision for the sake of the young people. The increased use of Cannabis is alarming, and various researches conducted on the impact of marijuana legalization have yielded mixed reactions. For instance, findings from a study on the link between decriminalization of marijuana for medical purposes and the usage showed that the rate of marijuana consumption and the problems related to it had been recorded highest in states that have passed legalization laws. Also, there is a higher likelihood that the residents have used and also experiencing cannabis dependence in the countries where people are allowed to take for recreational purposes (Wesley, and Salomons)
Recreation use of marijuana should get abolished, and the states which have passed laws on medical marijuana take the initiative to control the usage, distribution, and quantity allowed seriously. For example, Alaska, Nevada, and Montana limit the possession to 1 ounce at a given time (Chapman et al.). Besides, the people who are allowed to grow the plant at home should get investigated and vetted carefully to ensure no other people will get access to it, especially the young. Registration and obtaining certificates for those allowed to use medical marijuana is supposed to be made mandatory and not voluntary with payment of some charges to lure out young people. For example, in the state of New Jersey, it is compulsory to register, and also pay a fee of $200 or $400 (Cheng et al.).
Currently, 23 states, together with the District Columbia, have enacted legislation in favor of the usage of Cannabis for medical reasons. Opinions by some analysts indicate that the increase in passing of marijuana laws for medical purposes is a consequence of the growth in liberalization attitudes among American public Chapman et al.). Other countries worldwide like Canada, have also legalized the use of Cannabis with other countries still holding discussions on approval.
Effects of marijuana use
Marijuana use is associated with adverse economic, health, and social effects. Regarding the health of the recipient, the normal functioning of the brain is severally affected. The impact can be mild or severe, depending on the duration and quantity of intake. They include cognitive impairment and impaired short term memory. Marijuana disrupts the normal functioning and coordination of the brain, memory retention, and creation, and also concentration. Research conducted among students shows deteriorated academic performance, especially for those who started using marijuana below the age of 15 years (Yu et al.).
Marijuana use also causes increased criminal behaviors in society. Recreational use of the drug among the youths causes diminished life satisfaction and problem in making decisions, which makes them result in illegal activities. The users of marijuana are also affected economically due to decreased productivity. Highly technical tasks that demand concentration and good memory are a challenge to marijuana users (Yu et al.). The result is reduced personal development and quality of life. Another effect of marijuana use is the increased risk of using other substances. Marijuana has addiction effects, which makes the user get dependent on the drug to have a healthy life.
The addiction influences the use of other drugs, which provides the same effect, for example, cocaine, heroin, which further causes harmful effects.
Lastly, Cannabis increases the rate of accidents among users. The disruptions of the part of the brain associated with coordination, posture, and reaction time make it dangerous for people under the influence to drive carefully or even operate heavy machinery (Nickel). Marijuana can stay in the body for over a week after consumption. As a result, it makes it challenging for arrests to be made, thus making some people take advantage and drive under the heavy influence, thus causing accidents.
Benefits associated with marijuana
In the US and other countries abroad, there is an accelerating trend in the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Some researches indicate the possibility of marijuana having antibacterial, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its possible benefits include the management of post-traumatic disorders, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, sleeping disorders, and rheumatic diseases. (Nickel)
Marijuana contains many chemical compounds, including cannabidiol, which is known to reduce seizures, inflammation, and reduce anxiety. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is also another compound believed to overcome post-traumatic stress symptoms, sleeping disorders, and stimulate appetite. The two compounds are the ones intensively researched in the medical field. Their combination in the correct ratio relieves pain, spasms, reduces nausea, and as a muscle reluctant.
In the management of chronic pain, marijuana has been proven as more effective than opioids, with 37% effectiveness in reducing pain against 30% recorded with opioids (Nickel). The downsides of marijuana are also fewer with the chance for addiction and dose escalation being less in comparison with opioids, which have a greater psychological dependency with a desire for increasing doses but with diminishing returns.
In conclusion, even though marijuana possesses some medicinal benefits, the concerns over the negative economic, social, and health consequences should not get ignored. Complete focus only on the benefits of marijuana legalization without having measures in place to curb the negative impacts and regulate use can result in dire consequences. It is also essential to protect the young people and also educate the youths on responsible use to keep the adverse social, economic, and health effects minimal.