Marijuana, also known as cannabis is a narcotic that produces various psychological and physical effects. Cannabis typically has between 5% and 15% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the chemical that is responsible for the majority or all of the psycho impacts of the plant.
Legalizing marijuana will allow it to be reclaimed of the criminals’ hands and made accessible for the control of law enforcement agencies. The production could be monitored and allow the authorities to verify purity, quality, and potential risks before it is released to the general public. Additionally, taxes on cannabis-related products could be imposed in order to increase the revenue generated by the state.
Closely linked with this argument is the idea that legalization of marijuana could lead to more efficient allocation of police resources. In certain areas marijuana is illegal and has led to a plethora of squalid prison conditions in minor offenders. This in turn diverts resources from combating violent crime.
Legalization also permits authorities to take control of the process of distribution. Standards of quality could be implemented so that drugs are not being sold to children at school who may mistake them for candy. At present, dealers do not have any incentive to avoid selling illegal drugs to young children. The government would be able to tax marijuana sales and allow them to share a portion of the earnings from the production and distribution. The reduction in crime legalization brings about also results with a decrease in state expenses due to lesser police presence.
Legalization would also allow the government to regulate the negative effects on the environment of marijuana production. Many fear that marijuana production on a large scale can cause soil erosion, depletion chemical pollution, and land loss. By allowing state officials to monitor cultivation techniques that cause negative environmental effects, they could be minimized or eliminated.
Legalization could allow for better information about marijuana usage. The programs could be targeted at young children and adolescents and inform them about possible harmful side effects from the consumption of marijuana. Instead of being kept from the public by drug dealers who have no motivation to keep them informed, information on safe usage of drugs is available to everyone with a desire to learn more about their effects.
Legalization could also enable the state to monitor and tax the illicit drug trade. Legalization could result in higher income for the state as well as the reduction of crime and negative social effects. The state authorities would be able to be able to monitor cultivation methods and plant locations to minimize or prevent negative consequences of marijuana production. Finally, better education programs regarding marijuana usage could help people make informed decisions regarding their consumption.
In conclusion, there are many arguments for the legalization of marijuana and very few against it. Criminalization’s negative impacts overshadow any benefits which may result from it. For all these reasons, it is evident that governments must allow for the production, distribution, and consumption of marijuana for personal recreational goals.
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