Legalization of Marijuana

The legalization of marijuana has been a hot topic for the fast few decades. Some feel it should be legalized to help people suffering with medical illnesses; others disagree and feel it presents a bad message to today’s youth. One article presents the idea that the benefits from smoking marijuana for someone who is undergoing chemotherapy can be very significant. The drug has been known to reduce nausea and common pain experienced with chemotherapy. However, another article states that chronic users of marijuana have an increased chance of developing anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Also, marijuana has the same respiratory problems that come with smoking tobacco cigarettes. I am on the fence of both arguments. I do agree that it presents the wrong message to young people, especially adolescents, who are at a critical part of development. However, the positive outcomes of legalizing marijuana are considerable. If marijuana was legal, there would less crime because the profit from selling the drug would be low. If it is sold in gas stations or convenient stores like cigarettes, there would not be a demand for it on the streets. Secondly, if it helps someone overcome the pain that comes with battling cancer, then it seems like a good decision to legalize it. The only problem I have with this argument is that many who claim they are supporting the legalization of marijuana for medical use are actually supporting it for selfish reasons. They want the drug legal for themselves and by using the excuse, “for medical purposes,” is how they will obtain it.