Ultimately, the legalization of marijuana would have more benefits than downsides. Pertaining to the fiscal reasons, the economy would improve due to the fact that things such as government spending on the enforcement of marijuana users/dealers would no longer be needed. Socially, the prohibition of marijuana is seen by many as a violation of one’s freedom of choice. Another sight of reason is that there are substances such as alcohol and tobacco that are equally if not more detrimental to one’s health. In fact, many say that certain strains of cannabis are, in fact, good for you. For patients suffering from ailments such as anxiety, glaucoma, cancer, and AIDS, there are several proven medical benefits (i.e. pain/stress relief). Lastly, the illegal buying and selling of marijuana is extremely high- especially along borders of mexico and the US. With that in mind, deeming marijuana legal could hypothetically end a large amount of this criminal behavior. In fact, in 2016 more people were arrested for marijuana related crimes that for all violent crimes put together. There are however, several cons as well. And while there are reasons that are focused around morals, there are logical anti-cannabis arguments as well. The legalization of marijuana to some is seen as not just the legalization of one drug, but the legalization of a gateway drug. Adults are concerned that by “promoting” drugs like weed would eventually encourage and get them hooked onto harder drugs like meth, heroin, and even cocaine. Many law enforcement officials are also concerned that making this drug legal will make it seem as if they are, in a way, supporting drug use. Along with that, they [law enforcement officials] are also worried that when drug cartels are being put out of the marijuana business, they will make up for their financial loss by resorting to the sale of harder drugs, causing an increase in crime at the same time. The debate of marijuana legalization continues to grow as an international issue, because nations that share political, social, and economic ties will all eventually align with their decisions.
