Introduction
Currently, marijuana laws in the United States are a topic of debate, with some states legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes. However, the federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, making it illegal. Marijuana prohibition affects millions of Americans who use it for various reasons, and there is a growing demand for its legalization. In 2020, more than 91 million Americans supported legalizing marijuana, according to a Gallup poll. This article explores why marijuana should be legal.
The Medicinal Benefits of Marijuana
Medical marijuana has been used to treat various conditions, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and anxiety. The active ingredients in marijuana, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have shown promising results in treating these conditions. Moreover, marijuana-derived medicines, such as Sativex, have been approved for use in the UK, Canada, and several other countries. However, the lack of legal access has hindered further research and development of marijuana-based medicine. Legalizing marijuana can open up opportunities for pharmaceutical research, leading to better medication for patients. Medical marijuana has also helped individuals. For instance, Charlotte Figi suffered from seizures, and after using CBD, her seizures drastically reduced.
The Economic Impact of Legalization
The legalization of marijuana has numerous economic benefits. States with legal marijuana have seen a boost in economic growth, job creation, and revenue through taxation. The marijuana industry is creating employment opportunities, from growers to dispensaries, and increasing tax dollars for states. For instance, in Colorado, legal marijuana brought in $1.5 billion in sales revenue in 2020, creating over 35,000 jobs and contributing to more than $300 million in tax revenue. Moreover, the tourism industry in states such as Colorado and California has benefited from marijuana legalization, leading to more economic growth. Legalizing marijuana can also have the potential to reduce the illegal drug trade, leading to the collapse of criminal cartels.
Social Justice Implications of Prohibition
The war on drugs has disproportionately affected minority groups, particularly Black and Latino people. Marijuana laws have resulted in higher rates of incarceration for drug offenses among these groups. Legalizing marijuana can help reduce these social justice issues by eliminating instances of people being arrested and incarcerated due to non-violent drug-related offenses. Moreover, marijuana legalization can assist with tackling institutional racism in law enforcement as marijuana arrests are used to justify mass surveillance and racial profiling in the criminal justice system.
The Failure of Marijuana Prohibition
Years of strict drug policies have failed to solve the issue of drug use. Despite being illegal, marijuana use in the US is widespread. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 46 million Americans reported using marijuana in 2020. Legalization can help regulate drug use, making it safer and protecting citizens from the dangers of contamination and adulteration of the drug. Additionally, regulation ensures that consumers receive consistent product quality and standards.
International Comparisons
Several countries, including Canada, Uruguay, and the Netherlands, have already legalized marijuana for recreational and/or medicinal purposes. The US needs to learn from these countries and assess the benefits of legalizing marijuana. The current prohibition laws harm Americans, which contrasts with the legal framework in other countries where they have realized the benefits of legalization.
Individual Liberty and Personal Choice
Legalizing marijuana aligns with American values of personal freedom and choice. Adults should have the freedom to choose whether to use marijuana or not without fear of punishment. Furthermore, punishing individuals for marijuana use contributes to the overreaching power of the government, which is contrary to American values. Legalization can improve individual liberty and promote personal responsibility as individuals will have access to a safer, regulated product.
Conclusion
The current marijuana laws in the US have more negative effects than positive effects. Marijuana should be legal because of the social justice implications of its prohibition, its failure as a drug approach, its medicinal benefits, impact on the economy, comparison with other countries, and individual liberty. We can help individuals, the economy, and society as a whole by reforming these laws. Therefore, we should all urge lawmakers to end marijuana prohibition and to legalize it.