Everyone should support the legalization of marijuana as it can help to save the states’ resources, improve the well-being of people, and reduce racial tension. Today, there are multiple cases when individuals are punished for possessing marijuana. It results in growing arrest rates and the deterioration of the problem. Individuals from the African American community are primarily targeted by the criminalization laws compared to their White counterparts. From this perspective, there is a need to legalize this drug to end the costly enforcement of such regulations. Moreover, the medical management for the rehabilitation of people dependent on marijuana is expensive. The government’s control can help to monitor the composition of the drug and reduce the number of health problems linked to it.
The legalization of marijuana will help to achieve several important benefits. First of all, it will lower the number of arrests and decrease prison sentences for people of color. Reports from Washington DC show that the number of arrests made due to the possession of marijuana reduced considerably after its legalization from over 5000 cases to less than 200 cases in a year. Moreover, charging individuals for the possession of marijuana can impair their ability to secure employment, acquire houses, and get loans or financial aid for schooling. With the absence of unfair laws, people of color will have more chances to find a better jobs and improve their well-being, vital for communities and the state.
Statistics also show that the legalization of marijuana is linked to reduced rates of opioid-related harm. Reports state that the use of marijuana in states where marijuana is legalized has significantly dropped. The number of people abusing other formulations of opioids, including morphine and heroin, has also reduced. It means that the decision to allow this drug’s legal use can promote consumers’ safety and protect them from the adverse effects of using other illegal drugs. Certified laboratories responsible for the production of marijuana guarantee its high quality, the absence of harmful substances, and the use of kid-resistant packs to ensure children will not use it. From this perspective, the approval of legal marijuana use will considerably decline with its legalization.
Under these conditions, it is vital to legalize marijuana as it will help to achieve the benefits mentioned above. However, people should be responsible when consuming this drug to reduce the chances of addiction and avoid driving under its influence to prevent harming other individuals.