Americans are challenging the standard norms in modern society.
One of the most recent debates has been the legalization of recreational use of cannabis.
It comes in all different forms, flavors, types, and treatments, and I can’t deny I’m interested.
The legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Colorado has caused uproar of controversy, becoming the first state in the nation and the first place in the world to regulate the cannabis market.
Whether you agree with it or not, I can’t help but support the obvious benefits that legalization presents.
Although recreational use is illegal outside of Colorado and Washington, marijuana is the third most popular drug in America, following alcohol and tobacco.
The drug has been historically linked with narcotics; however, this association proves wrong.
Marijuana, a natural substance, is less than or equally dangerous to one’s health than alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, three “normal” recreational drugs.
Normal recreational drugs are known to account for more health problems and dependency than marijuana.
Research according to drugabuse.gov, revealed that dependency and addiction to weed is linked directly to alcohol and tobacco abuse, and dependency on marijuana alone was prevalent among people with psychiatric health disorders.
Marijuana used correctly has been confirmed to contain active ingredients with therapeutic potential for relieving stress, pain, and anxiety. The real gateway drug appears not to be marijuana, but alcohol and tobacco, two very destructive and accessible substances.
Why legalize other normal recreational drugs in every state, but not marijuana?
Legalization in Colorado has brought the marijuana industry above ground, reducing violence and drug trafficking by regulating the market with security and quality. By legalizing marijuana, an underground market becomes an excellent source of income that the state and citizens can benefit from, whereas drug trafficking is sourced by marijuana’s prohibition.
The drug is merchandised whether it’s legal in two states or all of the U.S., so why not capitalize on its benefits?
According to information featured on The Huffington Post, the taxing plan on all marijuana products, similar to tobacco and alcohol, is projected to create $700 million in tax revenue annually and save $12 million in law enforcement expenditures to fund its strong regulatory environment.
In addition, the NORML Foundation suggests that legalization in all states will create numerous revenue-generating spinoff industries, such as coffee houses, gardening equipment and paraphernalia.
For example, the city of Amsterdam, with a million people, boasts 300 coffee houses retailing marijuana. Translated to the U.S, this would amount to over 60,000 retailers and 100,000 jobs.
The drug is limited to ages 21 and up for private use, but CNBC News reported that new marijuana users would not be limited to adults if marijuana were legalized, just as regulations on alcohol and tobacco do not prevent use by youth.
However, its legality doesn’t affect marijuana accessibility to underage users in my opinion. If the desire is strong enough, anyone can gain access to any normal recreational drug or narcotic.
Adults should have the right to choose what they do with their bodies and the substances they use without government interference.
If some people enjoy it, and it isn’t any more dangerous than tobacco or alcohol, ruining lives and putting people in prison isn’t necessary.
A person’s choice to use a natural substance for his or her own personal indulgence shouldn’t be subject to consequence issued by law. I don’t support drug use, but I don’t support government control in that area of my life.
