WEEDing Out Outdated Laws: The HIGH Time for Marijuana
Legalization
A POSITION PAPER PRESENTED TO
MR. DOMINADOR E. TORRES JR.
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE
CWORLD030 - THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
SUBMITTED BY:
MARK ROMEO D. PAGAYON
BSCHE IV - E406
OCTOBER 10, 2024
In recent years, the debate surrounding marijuana legalization has gained
significant traction worldwide. As more regions reconsider their stance on cannabis, it
becomes increasingly crucial to examine the potential benefits and challenges
associated with its legalization. This paper argues that marijuana should be legalized,
focusing on its health benefits, economic advantages, and potential to reduce crime.
Marijuana legalization refers to the process of removing criminal and civil
penalties for the possession, cultivation, and use of cannabis for both medical and
recreational purposes. While many countries and states have already taken steps
towards legalization or decriminalization, the legal status of marijuana remains a
contentious issue in many parts of the world. However, the growing body of evidence
supporting its benefits, coupled with the failures of prohibition policies, makes a
compelling case for widespread legalization.
The primary argument in favor of marijuana legalization centers on its numerous
health benefits. Cannabis has been shown to have significant medical applications,
particularly in the treatment of chronic pain, epilepsy, and symptoms associated with
cancer and its treatments. For instance, cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive
compound found in marijuana, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing
seizures in patients with severe forms of epilepsy. Furthermore, medical marijuana has
proven effective in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), offering hope to millions suffering from these conditions.
The scientific community increasingly supports the medical use of marijuana. A
comprehensive review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association
found strong evidence for the use of cannabinoids in treating chronic pain and spasticity
associated with multiple sclerosis. Additionally, the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine concluded in a 2017 report that there is substantial evidence
supporting the use of cannabis or cannabinoids for the treatment of pain in adults.
Legalization would allow for better regulation and control over the quality and
potency of marijuana products, ensuring safer access for patients who can benefit from
its therapeutic effects. It would also facilitate further research into its medical
applications, potentially leading to new treatments for a variety of conditions.
Beyond its health benefits, the legalization of marijuana presents significant
economic opportunities. One of the most compelling arguments in favor of legalization
is the potential for substantial tax revenue generation. In states where marijuana has
been legalized, such as Colorado and Washington, tax revenues have far exceeded
initial projections. For example, Colorado collected over $387 million in marijuana taxes
and fees in 2020 alone, with a significant portion of these funds allocated to public
education, healthcare, and substance abuse prevention programs.
The cannabis industry also has the potential to create a multitude of jobs across
various sectors. From cultivation and processing to retail and regulation, the legalization
of marijuana could lead to a boom in employment opportunities. A report by New
Frontier Data projected that the legal cannabis industry could generate 1.6 million jobs
in the United States by 2025 if federal legalization occurs. This job creation would not
only boost local economies but also provide new career paths in an emerging industry.
Moreover, the success of marijuana legalization in other regions serves as a
testament to its economic viability. Canada, which legalized cannabis for recreational
use in 2018, has seen its legal marijuana industry contribute billions to its GDP.
Similarly, U.S. states with legal marijuana markets have experienced significant
economic growth, with the industry proving resilient even during economic downturns.
Another crucial aspect of marijuana legalization is its potential to reduce crime
and promote judicial reform. The war on drugs, particularly concerning marijuana, has
led to the incarceration of millions of individuals for non-violent offenses,
disproportionately affecting minority communities. Legalization would dramatically
reduce the number of arrests and incarcerations related to marijuana possession and
use, alleviating the burden on the criminal justice system and addressing longstanding
issues of racial disparities in drug enforcement.
Furthermore, legalizing marijuana would significantly undermine the power of
illegal drug cartels. By bringing the production and distribution of cannabis into a
regulated market, legalization would deprive criminal organizations of a major source of
revenue. This shift could lead to a reduction in drug-related violence and allow law
enforcement resources to be redirected towards more serious crimes.
The regulation of marijuana through legalization also ensures quality control and
reduces the risks associated with unregulated, potentially dangerous products. Legal
markets can implement strict testing and labeling requirements, providing consumers
with accurate information about the potency and composition of cannabis products. This
approach not only promotes public health but also diminishes the black market for
marijuana, where products may be adulterated or of unknown quality.
Critics of marijuana legalization often raise concerns about public safety,
particularly regarding impaired driving and increased use among minors. However,
these concerns can be effectively addressed through robust regulations and policies.
Implementing strict laws against driving under the influence of marijuana, similar to
those for alcohol, can help mitigate the risk of impaired driving. Age restrictions on
purchase and possession, coupled with public education campaigns, can help prevent
increased use among young people.
Evidence from states where marijuana has been legalized suggests that these
problems can be managed effectively. For instance, a study published in the American
Journal of Public Health found no significant increase in traffic fatalities attributable to
marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado. Additionally, data from Colorado
shows that youth marijuana use has remained relatively stable since legalization,
contrary to fears of widespread increases.
From a legal and ethical standpoint, the case for marijuana legalization is further
strengthened by international precedents and the principles of individual freedom.
Countries like Canada and Uruguay, along with numerous U.S. states, have successfully
implemented regulated marijuana markets, providing valuable models for other regions
to follow. These examples demonstrate that it is possible to legalize cannabis while
maintaining public health and safety standards.
The failure of prohibition policies, which have led to overcrowded prisons and
exacerbated racial disparities in drug-related arrests, underscores the need for a new
approach. Legalization offers an opportunity to address these injustices and promote a
more equitable society. Moreover, from an ethical perspective, the right of individuals to
make responsible decisions about their own marijuana use, particularly when compared
to legal substances like alcohol and tobacco, supports the case for legalization.
In conclusion, the legalization of marijuana presents a compelling opportunity to
improve public health, stimulate economic growth, and reform our approach to drug
policy. The potential benefits, ranging from expanded access to medical treatments to
significant tax revenues and job creation, far outweigh the manageable risks associated
with legalization. As society continues to evolve its understanding of cannabis and its
effects, it is imperative that policymakers and citizens alike consider the substantial
evidence supporting legalization.
The time has come to move beyond the failed policies of prohibition and embrace
a regulated, legal marijuana market. By doing so, we can harness the medical and
economic potential of cannabis while addressing longstanding issues of social justice
and public health. As more regions successfully implement marijuana legalization, the
path forward becomes increasingly clear. It is not a question of if marijuana should be
legalized, but rather how soon we can implement thoughtful, comprehensive policies to
ensure its safe and beneficial integration into society.
The legalization of marijuana represents a significant shift in drug policy, one
that aligns with evolving social attitudes and scientific understanding. By taking this
step, we can create a more just, prosperous, and healthy society for all. The evidence is
clear: marijuana legalization is not just a possibility, but a necessity for progress in the
21st century.
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Marijuana as Medicine. National Institute of Drug Abuse. (2018, June).
https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/df-marijuana-medicine.pdf
Todd, T. (2018). The Benefits of Marijuana Legalization and Regulation.
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