The legalization of marijuana is a prominent and controversial issue. Although many negative statements have been made about marijuana, the truths are slowly starting to resurface. Unfortunately, these truths are under heavy criticism due to the stereotypical view of what people view as the typical "pot smoker." This skewed perception of a lazy and unmotivated America is the result of over seventy years of propaganda and misinformation. The legalization of Marijuana is a controversy, and as such, there are 2 sides to every argument. I will demonstrate the cons of legalizing marijuana due to, the long term effects of using marijuana, crime rates, and the "gateway effect " and then I will effectively go through the pros due to liberty, cost effectiveness, and medical uses.
According to a book entitled "Legalize It?"," by Arnold S .Trebach he gives many reasons as to why marijuana should not be legalized. One of which I found very effective in this argument are some of the long-term effects of marijuana he mentions. Trebach explains that loss of brains cells, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and slow confused thinking are some effects of smoking marijuana. When marijuana was used by adolescents, it can disrupt emotional development, delay puberty, and can delay the monthly cycle in females.
When taking into consideration the future of American society which to me, today's kids are tomorrow's future leaders, you honestly don't want the leaders of tomorrow stoned. If by legalizing marijuana leads to the future leaders of tomorrow becoming slow to learn individuals then the future of this country doesn't look too bright. As far as the diseases that stem from the use of marijuana, it speaks for itself really. Self explanatory! No one wants a long slow death, thus making marijuana legal could increase these already not wanted diseases. .
Crime rates in America alone are at a high already. Contrary to popular belief I don't believe that legalizing marijuana will decrease all crime rates.