Should Marijuana Be Legalized? Working Thesis Statement ✓ Solved

Should marijuana be legalized? Working thesis statement: Marijuana use is associated with adverse consequences, including health issues, exceeding the medical use, and thus, it should not be legalized.

Recent years have seen a considerable shift in attitudes towards marijuana use for recreational and medical use. However, given the adverse consequences, including health issues associated with marijuana use, it should not be legalized, and its criminalization should continue.

Marijuana use has an adverse effect on cognition. Studies have shown that cannabis consumption leads to declines in cognitive function. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, acts on brain receptors involved in cognitive processes, resulting in impairments. According to Meier et al. (2012), persistent cannabis use is associated with neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife. Similarly, Scott et al. (2018) found a link between cannabis use and decreased cognitive performance in adolescents and young adults.

Legalizing marijuana increases its use among teenagers, which results in deleterious outcomes. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates higher rates of marijuana consumption among teens in states with legal recreational marijuana. This is concerning because teen brains are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of cannabis. Ammerman et al. (2015) highlight that early marijuana use can impair cognitive functions that persist into adulthood, leading to poor academic performance and reduced life prospects. The increased accessibility following legalization could exacerbate these issues by normalizing use among adolescents, thereby increasing exposure during critical developmental stages.

Marijuana consumption during pregnancy poses risks to maternal and infant health. Pregnant women who use marijuana may experience anemia, which complicates pregnancy and delivery (Gunn et al., 2016). Additionally, infants born to mothers who use cannabis are more likely to have low birth weight, which can lead to other health complications. The long-term effects for these infants are also concerning, as they may experience developmental delays and health issues later in life (Sturrock et al., 2017). These adverse outcomes underscore the dangers that marijuana poses during pregnancy and the importance of maintaining its criminalization.

Driving while under the influence of marijuana significantly increases the risk of motor vehicle collisions, injuries, and fatalities. Data from the Insurance Journal reports an increase in traffic accidents in states that have legalized marijuana, correlating with higher tetrahydrocannabinol levels in drivers involved in fatal accidents. THC impairs judgment, reaction time, and the ability to judge speed and distance, thereby elevating the risk of accidents (Rogeberg & Elvik, 2016). These impaired driving capabilities contribute to the rising number of injuries and deaths on the roads in jurisdictions with legal marijuana.

Legalization of marijuana could lead to a surge in medical emergencies related to increased use. Research from the Rocky Mountain High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program indicates a rise in hospitalizations for marijuana-related issues in Colorado following legalization. Moreover, Wang et al. (2019) observed increased visits to primary care providers and emergency rooms for marijuana-induced health concerns. The escalation in medical emergencies not only burdens healthcare systems but also endangers patient safety and public health.

Counterarguments acknowledge that marijuana has medicinal benefits, particularly for pain relief. Tetrahydrocannabinol interacts with brain receptors involved in pain management, which is why some physicians consider it beneficial for certain medical conditions (Whiting et al., 2015). Nonetheless, the potential harms associated with recreational use and widespread availability outweigh these benefits, especially considering the risk of misuse, dependency, and adverse health effects. Therefore, the medical benefits should not overshadow the broader public health concerns.

In conclusion, while marijuana may offer some medical benefits, the associated adverse health impacts, increased youth consumption, risks during pregnancy, traffic accidents, and rising medical emergencies indicate that its legalization is detrimental to societal well-being. Maintaining its criminalization helps mitigate these dangers and protect public health. Policymakers should prioritize public safety over recreational legalization to ensure community health is safeguarded.

References

• Ammerman, S., et al. (2015). The impact of marijuana policies on youth: clinical, research, and legal update. Pediatrics, 135(3), e769-e785.
• Gunn, J. K. L., et al. (2016). Prenatal exposure to cannabis and maternal and child health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 6(6), e009986.
• Insurance Journal. (2019). Some Data Indicates Increasing Accident Rates in Marijuana States. Retrieved from https://www.insurancejournal.com.
• 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.
• Rogeberg, O., & Elvik, R. (2016). The effects of cannabis intoxication on motor vehicle collision revisited and revised. Addiction, 111(7), 1356-1367.
• Scott, J. C., et al. (2018). Association of cannabis with cognitive functioning in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry, 75(3), 266-273.
• Sturrock, S., et al. (2017). Maternal smoking and cannabis use during pregnancy and infant outcomes. Journal of Perinatal Medicine, 45(2), 171-177.
• Wang, G. S., et al. (2019). Impact of marijuana legalization in Colorado on adolescent emergency and urgent care visits. Journal of Adolescent Health, 64(4), 491-496.
• Whiting, P. F., et al. (2015). Cannabinoids for medical use: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 313(24), 2456–2473.