There is a vast amount of controversial topics that have developed in our generation as a result of the evolution of customs and the change of socially accepted behaviors and practices in our society. These topics vary from same sex marriage, abortion, racism and many more.  Politically and ethically we have recently struggled to agree upon a correct resolution for these topics, but recently, what was once an extremely controversial issue is increasingly becoming significantly less controversial and is being widely accepted in the United States. This issue that I am talking about and that will be the central topic of this argumentative piece is the legal status of the use of recreational marijuana in the United States. The support for the legalization of marijuana has been steadily increasingly since 1990. The percentage of Americans who favored the legalization of marijuana was only 16% in 1990, whoever, in 2016 the majority of Americans (57%) agreed that marijuana should be legalized in the United States (Geiger). This massive increase in public support shows the great movement that the legalization of marijuana has become. Already in 28 states marijuana has become legal for medicinal purposes and in 8 states and Washington D.C, marijuana has been legalized for recreational use (Wallace). This overwhelming support for the legalization of marijuana, shows that the majority of Americans have replaced misconceptions and negative opinions concerning marijuana, with positive views and opinions on the impacts and various benefits that the legalization of marijuana would bring in the United States. In this argumentative piece, we will explore the effects and general characteristics of marijuana, the negative beliefs and misconceptions and the positive arguments associated towards eventually legalizing marijuana universally in the United States. 

In order to appropriately address the controversial question that is the legalization of marijuana, one must first become educated on the general characteristics and effects of this drug. According to The National Institute of Drug Abuse, marijuana is defined as: “the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The plant contains the mind-altering chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other related compounds.” The membranes of certain nerve cells contain protein receptors (cannabinoids) that bind THC, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the high that users experience when they smoke marijuana (Davis). Individuals generally consume this drug in many different ways. The most relevant methods of consumption of marijuana include: smoking, vapor, brewed in tea, baked in food such as brownies or cookies, or applied as a balm (Davis). Other key details and facts about marijuana include: change in perception when consumed, increase in appetite, feeling of relaxation, and reduced blood pressure. There are a lot of more intricate details about marijuana and its contents, but for our purposes, a simple overview of the drug suffices to tackle the question of its legalization.

With every controversial topic there are always two sides to each particular argument. In this section of my research piece I will discuss opinions and misconceptions held by those who oppose the legalization of marijuana. Before beginning this section, I ask the reader to analyze this information with an open mind, as it is all backed up with scientific and statistical values and observations. The first and a major opposing point towards the legalization of marijuana is the alleged brain damage that consuming this drug causes. Critics of legalizing the drug claim that the consumptions of marijuana directly equate towards the reduction of brain function, many claim that studies show that individuals who consume marijuana have lower IQ levels than their counterparts who do not consume the drug (CNBC). While this claim may be partially correct, critics are leaving out an enormous detail about these studies to sway their audience to support to criminalization of marijuana. In reality these studies are specifically aimed to measure IQ levels of marijuana users who started to consume the drug before turning 15 years old, compared to those who started later on life (The British Journal of Psychiatric). This can be scientifically explained very easily. At the younger age of 15, the brain is still in the process of development to reach its maximum capacity. If the brain is exposed to certain neurotoxins in marijuana at this young age, then it does run the risk of not fully or properly developing thus explaining this claim. While this claim is completely valid when taking into account the age groups tested, legalizing marijuana would not affect people of such a young age. The legal age requirement that would be instated (as it has been in states who have legalized the drug for recreational use) when legalizing the drug would be 21. This age gap of 6 years, would insure that subjects who legally consume marijuana would be safe from affecting their brain development, as it was shown in the study (subjects older than 15 who consume marijuana tended to have normal IQ levels) (The British Journal of Psychiatric). Another major concern of those who oppose legalizing marijuana is the “health risks” associated with smoking or inhaling fumes of this drug. Many studies have proven, whether it be marijuana or tobacco, that smoking or inhaling fumes is just simply not a healthy practice (National Center for Biotechnology Information). Smoking often leads to diseases like gum disease and lung cancer. Having said this, there are many other ways to consume marijuana responsibly and in a health conscious manner. For example, one of the healthier ways of consuming marijuana is through “vaping” it. According to Colorado.gov, Vaporizers heat marijuana to release its active ingredients without burning. Research shows that vaporizers reduce the amount of harmful tars when consuming marijuana and many other studies show significantly less respiratory systems as an effect of vaporizers (Colorado.gov). Another more health conscious manner of consuming marijuana is through baked marijuana goods. With this method, any sort of smoke or vapor is eliminated, thus eliminated any safety or health concerns associated with vapor or smoke being inhaled. Another common concern of those who oppose the legalization of marijuana for recreational use is the potential for addiction and death. While it is technically possible to become addicted marijuana (as it is possible to become addicted to many things), rates of subject addicted to marijuana are significantly lower to those of many other legal drugs and substances such as tobacco (nicotine) and alcohol. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, only nine percent of marijuana users become dependent or addicted to the drug. In comparison, 32% of Americans are nicotine dependent or addicted after consuming it and 15% of those who consume alcohol become dependent or addicted. (Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science). Another concern is those who believe marijuana can cause death. Marijuana has never directly attributed to death while alcohol directly causes 2.5 million deaths each year and tobacco directly causes 6 million deaths each year (Drugfree.org). These figures are extremely relevant for two reasons. The first being that although these substances are legal, they are much more addictive than consuming marijuana. The second reason is that these substances are extremely deadly while marijuana has never directly caused a death. The final opposing argument and perhaps the hardest to argue against is the “gateway effect” that opposes of the legalization of the drug think marijuana causes to users. When researching this specific argument, I was not able to find any concrete evidence that proved either side of the argument undeniable correct. For this reason I will use statistics and beliefs that in my opinion best directly address this argument. While marijuana has been attributed to be used in cohesion with more potent illegal drugs, studies show that the vast majority of marijuana users never progress to more illicit drugs and even don’t become regular marijuana users (proven by low addiction rates) (procon.org). Another explanation for this argument is the type of market that marijuana is in the United States. In places like the Netherlands, where marijuana has been semi-legal and regulated for a very long time, there are lower consumptions rates than in the United States and lower rates of other illicit drugs. This can attributed to the normalcy of the drug in the country making consumption less desired or special in comparison to the United States where the illegal factor of the drug gives it a more attractive factor. After addressing the negative opinions and arguments associated with the legalization of marijuana, I hope that you are now ready to explore the many benefits and positive arguments associated with legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes. 

With the recent heated disputes in states whether marijuana should be legalized, a lot of benefits and positive arguments have come to light, many of which are already being directly seen in states like Colorado and California. The first positive outcome of legalizing marijuana that I will present in this argumentative piece is the positive impact that decriminalizing marijuana would bring on law enforcement and the judicial system  in the United States. As I have already established, marijuana is technically a relatively harmless drug in most aspects. The one aspect that makes marijuana particularly harmful is the black market and trafficking involved with the drug due to its legal status. Due to its unregulated nature this market operates to solely generate profit, which often causes intimidation and violent behavior. Cartels who are often involved in producing and distributing this drug, are often responsible for many other crimes and the distribution of many other illicit drugs. It is estimated that about 20% to 30% of the business conducted by drug cartels involves the distribution and production of marijuana (Insightcrime.org). By universally legalizing marijuana in the United States, I significant portion of the business conducted by these violent organizations would be immediately erased. This would directly decrease violence and decrease the influence that these cartels have by decreasing their business. Another benefit that legalizing marijuana would bring to law enforcement would be the increase in funding in other criminal areas and categories. 88% of marijuana related arrest or around 7 million are only for possession of the drug not trafficking or distribution (American Civil Liberties Union). This means that the budget to detain marijuana offenders, distributers and producers, is mostly going towards detaining harmless individuals who do not pose a significant if any threat to society. By legalizing marijuana, the budget used to monitor marijuana related crimes, which is $3,613,969,972 a year per state (American Civil Liberties Union), can be used for more important purposes, thus improving overall security. Another benefit that legalizing marijuana would bring to the law enforcement and judicial system, would be the immediate decrease of funds going towards prisons and prisoners who are unjustly sentenced due to minimum sentencing procedures. The harsh penalties associated with the possession, sale and cultivation of marijuana have been a very big problem in the United States. Under minimum sentencing procedures, possession charges range from 1-3 years, sale charges range from 5 years to life in prison, and cultivation charges range from 5 years to life in prison (Norml.org). These unjust sentences account for a significant amount of prisoners, mostly being minorities, that must be paid for through federal and state taxes. 

Another major benefit that legalizing marijuana would bring would be its vast health benefits. There is an enormous list of health concerns or problems that medical marijuana has been believed or proven to help. In this section I will only least a few of these health concerns and problems, as many of them have not actually been scientifically proven to be completely true. Marijuana has been well known to alleviate effects of muscle spasticity. Muscle spasticity is a condition in which muscles tense reflexively and resist stretching (National Center for Biotechechnical Information). Patients have overwhelmingly reported that smoking marijuana strains suited for this condition (non-drowsy functional high) have significantly alleviated symptoms such as lack of sleep, spasms, nausea, and pain (National Center for Biotechnical Information). Through marijuana patients with spasticity are able to live more normal lives.

Another medical usage of marijuana is to treat patients with neuropathic pain. According to WebMD, neuropathic pain is a complex chronic pain state that usually is accompanied by tissue damage, nerve fibers may be damage which impede them from correctly sending signals to the brain. Studies have repeatedly shown that patients report significant alleviation from pain of this condition (Pain Research Forum).

The final positive aspect of legalizing marijuana are the various financial benefits it brings. The first financial benefit that it brings is an enormous increase in tax revenue. In 2015, Colorado raised $135 million in tax revenue from recreational and medicinal marijuana sales (Investopedia). With this increase in tax revenue, states could use the vast amount of money to invest in projects such as education, infrastructure, and public safety. Another financial benefit associated with legalizing marijuana is the growth of business in the states which legalize it. In 2015, Colorado reported $996 million in sales of both medicinal and recreational marijuana (Investopedia). Since this number has only increased and marijuana sales in Colorado are north of a billion dollars today. The vast influx of money towards the business sector allows states like Colorado to further develop their economies and their societies. The final financial benefit associated with legalizing marijuana is the increase of job which effectively improves the economy. A study conducted by a RCG Economic and Marijuana Policy group in Nevada shows that by 2024 the marijuana industry will create 41,000 jobs and generate over $1.7 billion in labor income in the state. The same study estimates an increase of 81,000 jobs and an increase in $3.5 billion in labor income in the State of California in 2024. As you can clearly take away, the marijuana industry is a very big industry that could potentially provide a livelihood for many Americans. In this aspect, not only will legalizing marijuana positively affect users, but it could potentially affect everyone in the United States through its various financial advantages. 

Through this extensive research, my aim was to inform the general public on misconceptions, negative opinions, positive opinions, and advantages on legalizing marijuana. I can conclude that the legalization of marijuana would improve the United States financially through tax revenue, total sales, and the creation of jobs, it would improve the certain aspects of law enforcement in the United States through lower criminal rates and lower expenditure on criminals and resources to control marijuana, and finally it will provide many health benefits to patients who suffer from conditions such as neuropathic pain and spasticity. I have also addressed the common held misconceptions and negative opinions concerning the legalization of marijuana. These negative opinions and misconceptions include: health factors associated with consumptions, the gateway effect, and the believe that marijuana usage affects brain development and IQ levels. With all of this information I hope to bring social awareness towards the topic to continue to drive for the universal legalization of marijuana in the United States. 
