The debate over the therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana is ongoing.
While a
number of states in the U.S. have active medical marijuana laws (and a growing number
allow recreational use), the federal government continues to classify it as a Schedule I
controlled substance. Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs
with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Not only does
that make it illegal to possess, but it also limits medical studies into the potential
benefits of cannabis. (1) _______.
In the United States, medical marijuana is legal in 33 states, and recreational marijuana
in 10. However, the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana and
decriminalization of marijuana is moving very slowly. Considering that cannabis is a less
harmful substance than alcohol and tobacco and has medicinal benefits, isn’t it time for
nationwide legalization on both the medical and recreational level? I believe it is.
Obviously, legalizing 7marijuana is more difficult than simply passing a law saying so.
For example, with the continued legalization of marijuana comes the issue of releasing
those jailed for cannabis possession. An estimated 40,000 people today are
incarcerated for marijuana offenses (Delitos) in the USA. Many of our nation’s laws
specifically put black individuals at a significantly higher risk of arrests and
incarceration; a 2021 analysis of marijuana-related arrests in 2020 in New York City’s
five boroughs reported that people of color comprised (Representan) 94 percent of
those arrested. (2) _______. When it comes to marijuana, black people are almost four
times as likely to be arrested for possession of marijuana as white people, despite
similar levels of usage.
If the nation were to legalize marijuana, two things could happen. If black people
currently in jail for marijuana possession were to be released, the U.S. would save
approximately $3.6 billion spent annually on cannabis-related arrests. Continuing to
allow incarcerated black individuals to suffer while white people reap (Cosechar) the
benefits of legalized marijuana is incredibly racist and inexcusable, and it needs to end
now.
In addition to saving money, states would also benefit from the additional tax revenue
(Ingresos) and job creation that legal marijuana creates. Just in 2015, Colorado saw
over $100 million created in tax revenue, and, if recreational marijuana were legalized,
the U.S. could see an additional $131.8 billion generated from tax revenue by 2025. The
marijuana industry is also a huge (Enorme) job-creator (Creador de empleo) — legalized
cannabis resulted in more than 18,000 new jobs in Colorado in 2015 alone.
Following this trend, imagine how many jobs could be created on a national level.
Those working in the marijuana industry alone, such as dispensary workers, growers
and retailers (Minoristas), need to hire outside business as well to aid in the production
of cannabis. This includes not only lawyers and contractors, but also equipment
manufacturers and local building owners.
While there are many clear upsides (Arriba) of legalization, marijuana is still a drug we
have a lot to learn about. The drug does have therapeutic and pain-relieving benefits,
but it’s still a relatively new concept in the medical world and can have adverse effects,
such as sleepiness, dizziness (Mareos), and, while considerably less likely than other
drugs, addiction. (3) _______. Expert reviews of current research continue to advocate
(Defendida) that more studies are needed. Many of the hurdles (obstáculos) involve
controlling the quality and dosing (Dosificación) of cannabis with what is legally
available to researchers. One review of research noted that the long-term effects of
cannabis are still unknown
Even though there are some downsides (Inconvenientes) and a lot more research still
to be done, scientists have found many medicinal benefits to the drug. Marijuana can
treat chronic pain, glaucoma, arthritis and other ailments as well as help decrease
muscle spasms or seizures (Convulsiones). There are even studies, while preliminary,
finding that cannabidiol, or CBD, may prevent the spread of cancer and slow the growth
of tumors. Also, marijuana can relieve the spasticity of the muscles that is sometimes
associated with multiple sclerosis and paralysis and it can help treat appetite loss
associated with conditions such as HIV/AIDS and certain types of cancers.
Recreationally, cannabis can help treat anxiety, increase creativity and allow users to
feel more relaxed due to the release of dopamine it causes.
Aside from all of the recreational and medicinal benefits of marijuana, the U.S. would
see a boom in the economy thanks to all of the money saved from future marijuana
arrests in addition to the tax revenue and jobs created because of cannabis. It’s time
for a nationwide (En todo el país) change toward helping our country in more ways than
one. Let’s get legalizing.
