Persuasive Essay About Smoking Marijuana

Persuasive essay about smoking marijuana

Persuasive essay about smoking marijuana

Hi, I'm an international student and I need your help. I have two homework assignments: the first is to write a persuasive essay against smoking marijuana, and the second is to compose an annotated bibliography of the sources used for that essay.

Paper For Above instruction

Persuasive Essay Against Smoking Marijuana

Marijuana consumption has become increasingly prevalent among teenagers, often driven by recreational use and misconceptions about its safety. However, despite some claims regarding medical benefits, the adverse effects of smoking marijuana, especially on young individuals and communities, are significant and warrant a firm stance against its recreational use. This essay argues against smoking marijuana, highlighting its impact on the community, associated health risks, and its particular influence on teenagers.

Firstly, marijuana use has a considerable impact on the community by contributing to higher crime rates, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs. Studies have shown that areas with higher marijuana consumption tend to experience more social issues, including violence and accidents related to impaired judgment (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). Moreover, marijuana use by teenagers can perpetuate a cycle of addiction and social decline, burdening local health and social services.

Secondly, health risks associated with smoking marijuana are substantial. Inhalation of marijuana smoke exposes users to carcinogens similar to tobacco smoke, which increases the risk of respiratory problems such as bronchitis, chronic cough, and even lung cancer. Moreover, marijuana impairs cognitive functioning, memory, and decision-making abilities, which can have lasting effects on young users (Volkow et al., 2014). Long-term use may also lead to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and in some cases, psychosis (Gobbi et al., 2019).

Thirdly, marijuana's effect on teenagers is particularly concerning. The adolescent brain is still developing, and introducing psychoactive substances like THC can interfere with neural development. This interference can lead to decreased academic performance, impaired social interactions, and increased propensity for addiction (Meier et al., 2012). Early marijuana use is linked to a higher likelihood of developing substance use disorders later in life, further impacting individual and societal well-being.

While some advocate for medical benefits of marijuana, claiming it can alleviate chronic pain, nausea, or epilepsy symptoms, these benefits are generally associated with controlled, medicinal use under supervision. Recreational use, especially among teenagers, presents more risks than benefits. Therefore, restricting marijuana for recreational purposes can help protect health, improve community safety, and promote youth development.

In conclusion, the negative impacts of smoking marijuana on health, the community, and teenagers are compelling reasons to oppose its recreational use. Public health policies should focus on education and prevention to mitigate these risks. Understanding the consequences of marijuana use is essential for fostering healthier communities and protecting young populations from preventable harms.

References

  • Gobbi, G., et al. (2019). Association of Cannabis Use in Adolescence and Risk of Psychosis. JAMA Psychiatry, 76(8), 872–881.
  • Meier, M. H., et al. (2012). Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(40), E2657–E2664.
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Is Marijuana Safe and Effective? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
  • Volkow, N. D., et al. (2014). Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219–2227.

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