Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that has been used for thousands of years. With long-term use of this narcotic, tolerance to the effects of the drug is formed, and a person takes increasingly large doses of marijuana. As soon as tolerance to the drug is achieved, one of the long-term effects is the withdrawal syndrome of marijuana after its use and during periods of abstinence (Hammond et al., 2020). Despite the many issues associated with marijuana, it has already been legalized in some countries, while others are considering it. The US government should allow the legalization of marijuana because it stimulates the development of the economy of the country, helps get rid of illegal drug markets, and makes it possible to regulate dosages sold.
Proper regulation of the number of dosages of marijuana that consumers purchase will allow for achieving many advantages for the people. In specialized stores where marijuana is sold, the product will be clean, tested in laboratory conditions, and free from pesticides, fungus, and others (Coley et al., 2021). Furthermore, the minimum age at which it is allowed to purchase the product will be set at official marijuana sales points. Moreover, all products purchased legally will be protected from children. In general, regulating the amount of marijuana purchased will reduce the number of crimes and road accidents and also reduce the use of alcohol and tobacco by the population, which are more harmful than marijuana.
The legalization of marijuana will stimulate the US economy through the receipt of new taxes to the treasury. Where marijuana is already legal, tax revenues from its sale exceed taxes for alcohol. Subsequently, the money received from the sale of marijuana, states can direct to the restoration and improvement of hospitals, drug addiction centers, and other organizations (Barker & Moreno, 2021). Schools for children will be renovated, youth affairs companies will be supported, and housing programs will be simplified. In addition, the legalization of marijuana will create new jobs, which will significantly reduce unemployment in the country.
Illegal markets where drugs can be purchased by anyone who has money should be closed. This is because crime is growing in the country due to illicit markets, child suicides, and psychoses, as well as the standard of living of the population, which is significantly reduced. The legalization of marijuana will mean the opening of specialty stores where people will be able to purchase this plant in limited quantities. For illegal markets, this will become unprofitable, and they will have to close their activities. That is, the opening of official stores will have a significant positive impact on society as a whole and the health of each individual.
To legalize the use of marijuana, it is necessary to take a number of steps. These steps mainly consist of the expression by the people of their will regarding legalization and the adoption of decisions by state bodies. In addition, it is imperative that education about marijuana and the rules of its use for medical purposes be conducted among the population. (Grigsby et al., 2020). Preventive measures on legalized marijuana should also be carried out in schools.
In conclusion, marijuana is a psychoactive drug that has received permission for legal distribution in some countries. This is because the authorized sale of this plant allows for discrediting the illegal drug market, increasing tax revenues to the treasury, as well as regulating the doses of the product. Legalization should be carried out in several stages and should be accompanied by educating the population and children about the dangers and benefits of this plant. This is important so that marijuana is used for medical purposes and does not continue to be distributed as a drug.
References
Barker, A. K., & Moreno, M. A. (2021). Effects of recreational marijuana legalization on college students: a longitudinal study of attitudes, intentions, and use behaviors. Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(1), 110-115. Web.
Coley, R. L., Kruzik, C., Ghiani, M., Carey, N., Hawkins, S. S., & Baum, C. F. (2021). Recreational marijuana legalization and adolescent use of marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol. Journal of Adolescent Health, 69(1), 41-49. Web.
Grigsby, T. M., Hoffmann, L. M., & Moss, M. J. (2020). Marijuana use and potential implications of marijuana legalization. Pediatrics in Review, 41(2), 61–72. Web.
Hammond, C. J., Chaney, A., Hendrickson, B., & Sharma, P. (2020). Cannabis use among US adolescents in the era of marijuana legalization: a review of changing use patterns, comorbidity, and health correlates. International Review of Psychiatry, 32(3), 221-234. Web.