Marijuana Legalization: Advantages/Disadvantages?

Question

I know that is a hot topic among us, so i guess i'll ask it. But first:

1. If you are for it, don't go on and say " h**l yeah, I smoke Marijuana every day and nothing happened to me!" Explain why you think legalization would benefit the US.

2. If you are against it, please explain why. Don't just say " Because it's bad for you." That' is not a good enough answer.

Answer 1

I am for it both because there are proven medical benefits of marijuana and simply in the name of freedom.  As a character on one of my favorite TV shows once said in response to another character saying there was no reason to make marijuana legal, "In a free country you don't need a reason to make something legal, you need a reason to make it illegal."  No, I don't think smoking pot is a great thing but I'm not sure it's harmful enough to society to justify making it illegal.

Answer 2

I am for it, and here's why:

1. Marijuana is less harmful than both cigarettes AND alcohol. Marijuana may make you slightly more susceptible to lung cancer, but there is no link as a direct cause. Also, it won't destroy your liver like alcohol will.

2. If you legalize it, you can regulate it. Legalization means revenues from taxes. Imagine actually MAKING money off of marijuana rather than spending tax dollars to send police after high 18-year olds.

3. It will reduce violence involved in drug trafficking and drug dealers. Dealers will be out of a job. In essence, I believe it will help reduce crime on our streets, at least slightly.

4. It should be legalized with precautions. There should be an age limit and a limit on where you can use it. For instance, usage can be restricted to someone's residential house and never when operating heavy machinery, such as a car.

Prohibition was a disaster in the 20s, and once alcohol became legal, it was regulated and controlled. Personally, I'd like to see marijuana take the same route.

Answer 3

i dont smoke but there are way more advantages to legalization

Answer 4

Pros:

Fewer people in jails and prisons.

Less drug related crime (theft, gangs, etc.)

More tax revenue.

Cops can concentrate on real crimes like theft, murder, rape, etc.

Cons:

More people will use drugs and destroy their lives.

More people on welfare and tax-payer supported rehab.

Personally, I am in favor of legalization. At the very least it should be left to the states and the federal government should not be involved in any way.

BTW, I have never used drugs and never will. But if people have the freedom to destroy their lives with alcohol, they should also be free to destroy their lives with weed.

Answer 5

Tax the pot heads!