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Should Marijuana be Legalized for Recreational Purposes?

The fact that 23 states have legalized marijuana for medical use means that its use is beneficial in the management of various conditions, which questions the reason why there are restrictions against it elsewhere. The debate on whether to legalize marijuana is becoming fierce each day as proponents and opponents take sentimental positions. The rejection of a legalization bill by the state of Ohio has been the most recent event in this deadlock. Efforts to advise the best action on this issue through research has been biased and lean towards finding the harmful effects of the drug rather than its benefits. Legalizing marijuana for medical purposes is not enough, and there are numerous calls about legalizing it for recreational use.

The support for marijuana from the public in recent times has been significant, with more than half in support of its legalization. The fact that almost 44 percent have tried the drug is an indication of its influence in recent years. In comparison to other drugs, the effect of marijuana is relatively insignificant. The number of casualties reported each year from smoking or alcohol use is very concerning- almost half a million people die each year from tobacco smoking while 76, 000 die from causes directly related to alcohol. Marijuana, on the other hand, has been indirectly responsible for about 32 deaths each year, which beats the logic to why alcohol and tobacco are legal, and marijuana is not.

Opponents claim that the legalization of marijuana would increase its use among young people and open a way to more addictive drugs. More teens are enrolled for treatment from marijuana than any other drug, and allowing unrestricted access to adults will mean the same for children. Restrictive measures on the use of marijuana have reduced its use from 1979 to 2008 from 13.2 percent to 6.1 percent, respectively among people aged 12 and older, which is a significant health triumph.