Should Marijuana Use Be Legalized? Touchstone 3.2 11/03/2020

Should Marijuana Use be Legalized? Touchstone 3.2 11/03/2020

Marijuana is an illegal drug that is used in the United States, with about 37.6 million users. Advocates for marijuana use argue that legalization can reduce crime rates, improve public safety, and stimulate the economy. On the contrary, those against marijuana legalization say that the use of marijuana is associated with detrimental health effects on both mental and physical health. Marijuana has a psycho-altering ingredient called Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that interacts with cannabinoid, GABAergic, benzodiazepine, and dopaminergic receptors, affecting memory, cognition, perception, and emotions (Feeney & Kampman, 2016). The psychoactive effects can range from relaxation to impaired thinking, concentration, and problem-solving abilities (Volkow et al., 2014). Heavy users may experience depression, panic attacks, and hallucinations. Additionally, marijuana smoke contains carcinogens and chemicals contributing to lung toxicity. Unlike cigarette smoke, THC can stay in the body for weeks, prolonging pharmacodynamic effects.

Beyond immediate health concerns, marijuana poses risks across the lifespan. It is associated with cancer and respiratory compromise, with evidence suggesting that THC alters cellular metabolism and produces mutations in cells, potentially leading to various cancers (Volkow et al., 2014). Studies have linked regular cannabis use to cancers of the aerodigestive tract, head, neck, and prostate. Respiratory system impairments also include chronic bronchitis, increased airway resistance, and lung hyperinflation, with marijuana smokers displaying higher rates of respiratory infections and pneumonia (Feeney & Kampman, 2016). Furthermore, marijuana influences vascular health, contributing to conditions such as myocardial infarction and ischemic strokes due to changes in vascular resistance and coronary microcirculation.

Health impacts extend to mental health, as marijuana use is associated with anxiety, depression, and psychosis in susceptible individuals. Those with genetic predispositions for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia are particularly vulnerable. Neuroimaging studies reveal decreased activity in prefrontal regions and reduced hippocampal volume among users, impairing memory, learning, and executive functions (Feeney & Kampman, 2016). Such neural impairments correlate with long-term cognitive deficits, especially when use begins during adolescence. Early exposure disrupts neural connectivity, leading to deficits in attention, memory, and problem-solving, which can impair educational and occupational outcomes.

In the academic realm, marijuana use negatively affects school performance, leading to lower achievement and higher dropout rates. These educational setbacks translate into socio-economic disadvantages, including lower income, unemployment, and decreased life satisfaction (Hopfer, 2014). The impairment of cognitive functions during intoxication also extends to driving, with marijuana significantly increasing the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Blood THC levels of 2-5 ng/mL are linked to impaired driving performance, and drivers testing positive for THC are up to seven times more responsible for crashes (Wilkinson, 2018). Combined use of marijuana and alcohol further exacerbates accident risks, emphasizing the danger of legalizing marijuana without comprehensive regulation.

Moreover, marijuana use impacts the immune system, with evidence indicating increased susceptibility to infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis C, and HPV (Memedovich et al., 2018). For immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy, cannabis use can impair immune response, aggravating their health conditions. Prenatal exposure to marijuana is particularly concerning, as THC crosses the placenta, affecting fetal development. Studies report increased risks of stillbirth, low birth weight, maternal anemia, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions among infants of mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy (Gunn et al., 2016). Long-term effects include behavioral issues like impulsivity, attention deficits, and impaired executive functioning extending into childhood and adolescence.

The addictive potential of marijuana further complicates its public health impact. Signs of addiction include unsuccessful attempts to quit, continued use despite adverse consequences, and neglect of responsibilities. Elevated THC levels in edibles and dabbing significantly increase the risk of dependence and adverse neurological effects (Gunn et al., 2016). This addiction risk underscores the importance of cautious policy approaches regarding marijuana legalization.

In conclusion, the medical and scientific evidence indicates that marijuana use is associated with substantial health risks, including respiratory diseases, mental health disorders, impaired cognitive development, and addiction. The potential for increased accidents, impaired driving, and adverse pregnancy outcomes further advocates against legalization. Although supporters cite economic benefits and medicinal uses, the comprehensive health risks outlined suggest that marijuana's legalization poses significant public health challenges. Therefore, maintaining restrictive policies and prioritizing public health is essential to mitigate the harms associated with marijuana use.

Paper For Above instruction

The debate over the legalization of marijuana encompasses a complex interplay of potential benefits and undeniable health risks. While proponents argue that legalization could reduce crime, generate economic revenue, and provide medicinal benefits, the accumulating evidence points to serious adverse health effects that warrant caution.

From a pharmacological perspective, THC’s interaction with the brain's receptor systems results in significant psychoactive effects, impacting memory, cognition, perception, and emotional regulation (Feeney & Kampman, 2016). These effects are especially concerning during adolescence, a critical period for brain development, where marijuana use can disrupt neural connectivity, impairing learning, attention, and executive functioning (Volkow et al., 2014). Such impairments have long-term implications for educational attainment, employment prospects, and overall cognitive health.

Physiologically, marijuana adversely affects the respiratory system. Cannabis smoke contains carcinogens similar to those found in tobacco, leading to respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, and an increased risk of lung cancer (Feeney & Kampman, 2016). Studies have also associated marijuana with cardiovascular problems, including increased risks of myocardial infarction and ischemic strokes due to vascular resistance alterations. The long duration of THC retention in the body exacerbates these health risks, extending the period during which individuals are vulnerable to these complications.

On the mental health front, marijuana use is linked with heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and psychosis, especially among vulnerable populations with genetic predispositions. Neuroimaging studies demonstrate decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex and reduced hippocampal volume in users, correlating with deficits in memory, executive functioning, and emotional regulation (Feeney & Kampman, 2016). These neural impairments are more pronounced when use begins during adolescence, a critical window for neural maturation, leading to persistent cognitive and behavioral challenges.

Educational outcomes suffer significantly due to marijuana use. Studies reveal that adolescents who frequently use marijuana are more likely to experience diminished academic performance, increased dropout rates, and decreased motivation, translating into long-term socio-economic disadvantages (Hopfer, 2014). These effects extend into adulthood, where cognitive impairments influence occupational success and life satisfaction. The association between marijuana and impaired driving capabilities is well documented, with increased risks of motor vehicle accidents and fatalities. Blood THC levels correlate with impairment, and marijuana-positive drivers are disproportionately responsible for crashes, highlighting the public safety concerns (Wilkinson, 2018).

Furthermore, marijuana compromises immunity, raising susceptibility to infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis C, and HPV (Memedovich et al., 2018). This is especially problematic for immunocompromised individuals, for whom marijuana's effects can worsen disease progression. Prenatal exposure is particularly alarming, with THC crossing the placental barrier, impairing fetal development, increasing risks of stillbirth, low birth weight, neonatal intensive care admissions, and long-term neurodevelopmental issues such as impulsivity and attention deficits (Gunn et al., 2016).

The addictive potential of marijuana is increasingly recognized, with evidence suggesting that high THC levels contribute to dependence. Behavioral signs include unsuccessful cessation attempts, continued use despite negative consequences, and neglect of responsibilities. The potentially high doses obtained from edibles and dabbing increase dependence risks further (Gunn et al., 2016). These addiction and health risks support the stance that marijuana's legalization could exacerbate public health burdens.

While the potential medicinal uses of marijuana are acknowledged, the broad-spectrum health risks necessitate cautious policy approaches. Legalization without adequate regulation could lead to increased consumption, especially among vulnerable populations such as youth, pregnant women, and individuals with mental health disorders. Regulatory frameworks should focus on minimizing harms, including restricting access and ensuring accurate information dissemination.

In summation, the scientific and medical evidence firmly indicates that marijuana use carries significant health risks, from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases to mental health disorders and cognitive impairments. The associated risks of accidents and addiction further reinforce the argument against legalization. Policymakers must weigh these health concerns carefully against potential benefits, emphasizing preventive measures and public health strategies to mitigate harms. A cautious approach that prioritizes health, safety, and informed decision-making is essential to protecting individuals and society from the adverse consequences of marijuana use.

References

• Feeney, K. E., & Kampman, K. M. (2016). Adverse effects of marijuana use. The Linacre Quarterly, 83(2), 174–178.
• Gunn, J. K., Rosales, C. B., Center, K. E., Nuez, A., Gibson, S. J., Christ, C., & Ehiri, J. E. (2016). Prenatal exposure to cannabis and maternal and child health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 6(4), e009986.
• Hopfer, C. (2014). Implications of marijuana legalization for adolescent substance use. Substance Abuse, 35(4), 331–335.
• Leyton, M. (2016). Legalizing Marijuana. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 41(2), 75–76.
• Memedovich, K. A., Dowsett, L. E., Spackman, E., Noseworthy, T., & Clement, F. (2018). The adverse health effects and harms related to marijuana use: an overview review. CMAJ Open, 6(3), E339–E346.
• Volkow, N. D., Baler, R. D., Compton, W. M., & Weiss, S. R. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219–2227.
• Wilkinson, S. T. (2018). Medical and recreational marijuana: commentary and review of the literature. Missouri Medicine, 115(6), 524–528.
• Additional reliable sources can be included for a comprehensive bibliography.