The debate over whether or not drugs should be legalized has been going on for a long time. There have been many discussions that supports and those that are against the legalization of marijuana has led to a decrease in crime. The decriminalization of marijuana in several states has, contrary to expectations, decreased the overall crime rate. In states such as Washington, Colorado, and Washington, experts who advocate for the legalization of marijuana have compiled a lengthy list of the connected reductions in crime that have occurred as a result of this policy. For instance, there has been a reduction in drug-related crimes such as homicides and thefts since marijuana’s recreational and medical use was legalized. Therefore, this paper will describe the benefits and drawbacks of the legalization of marijuana in various states.
There has been a decrease in criminal activities since marijuana was legalized for recreational use. For instance, there was an 8.9 percent decrease in property crime and an 84 percent decrease in possession charges in Colorado (Sabet and Ken). Since marijuana is no longer categorized as a drug, possession charges have dropped dramatically. A relatively small number of people are indeed being prosecuted for a crime that would have been used to punish hazardous drug users, such as cocaine and heroin. Marijuana law breaches and prosecutions have decreased by 63 percent and 63 percent in Washington since its legalization for recreational use in 2014 (Sabet and Ken). Unlike in Colorado, Washington’s legalization of marijuana hasn’t sparked an increase in criminal activity or prompted an influx of new users in the form of teenagers. There was no increase in the number of minors who use marijuana illegally under 18.
In medicine, marijuana can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including but not limited to pain, nausea, muscle spasms, anxiety, multiple sclerosis (MS), low appetite, sleep issues, autism, and epilepsy (seizure disorders). There have been studies on the effects of marijuana on children, including those on cancer, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Still, not much study has been done due to the many restrictions and rules regarding medical marijuana (Hendricks et al.). Cannabis used for medical purposes has been demonstrated to reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. Marijuana effectively alleviates the physical and mental suffering experienced by patients suffering from chronic pain and muscular spasms. The immune system, neuroplasticity, mental and mood control, vascular health, and digestive function are all observed to improve due to these benefits.
Legalizing recreational marijuana did not reduce crime in most states, although medical marijuana significantly declined crime rates. Medical marijuana legalization has resulted in significant crime reductions in states like Washington and Oregon, while Vermont has seen a 24% spike in crime and Rhode Island has seen a 10% increase (Dragone et al. 490). Increasing crime in some states proves that legalizing something does not always benefit the public. Auto theft and forceful rape increased in states where medicinal marijuana was approved but decreased in states where it was not legalized, while robberies and assaults decreased. Marijuana legalization could increase crime rates, even though medical marijuana has reduced crime rates. Despite the rising crime, crime dropped in most areas where medicinal marijuana was legal.
As a result of the legalization of marijuana in many areas, crime rates have decreased. According to the Denver Post, the number of armed robberies and burglaries committed at marijuana dispensaries in Denver reached its lowest point in three years. When marijuana was made available for recreational use, the records show that shoplifting and other criminal activity decreased significantly (Dragone et al. 488). People stopped seeking other options after they realized they could not legally obtain marijuana from dispensaries. In addition, there was a 98 percent decrease in marijuana possession charges filed in the District of Columbia (Dragone et al. 488). The dramatic decrease in the penalties for possessing marijuana proves this point.
A substantial amount of study has been conducted on the potential benefits of using medicinal marijuana to assist in managing chronic pain and other illnesses. However, the efficacy of this method, as well as its long-term benefits, are not yet fully understood. There is a reluctance to discuss the potential risks of using marijuana for recreational purposes. Compared to the amount of tar produced by tobacco smoke, the amount of inhaled tar produced by marijuana smoke is roughly three times more (Hendricks et al.). People who smoke marijuana tend to inhale more deeply and hold the smoke in for longer, increasing the risk of lung damage, particularly irreversible. Marijuana usage, widespread heavy use, has been linked to poor thinking skills and memory impairments. The impairment of one’s physical capabilities that results from the use of marijuana can be exceedingly hazardous, mainly while doing routine activities like driving.
Researchers have found a connection between marijuana usage and other mental health issues, including anxiety and schizophrenia. It has been hypothesized that marijuana use results in a weakening of the immune system and increases the risk of developing leukemia and other types of cancer. It is also known to have a negative impact on the health of children who are born to moms who used marijuana while they were pregnant (Dragone et al. 488). Based on the material presented, refraining from legalizing marijuana might save millions of Americans’ lungs from damage and avoid anxiety, schizophrenia, poor thinking, and memory loss.
In conclusion, the legalization of marijuana in the United States has resulted in a drop in homicides, robberies, and other crimes connected to illegal drugs. It is essential because many drug-related crimes are committed by people who possess marijuana even though they do not intend to consume it. Making possession of marijuana a criminal offense is comparable to making alcohol consumption a punishable offense. This is because, in both scenarios, individuals would consume the substance in the security, privacy, and convenience of their own homes and find other ways to acquire the substance they desired. Persons will be able to buy marijuana without any restrictions after it is legalized, which will reduce the number of people committing drug crimes because fewer people will go to drug traffickers to obtain marijuana illegally.
Annotated Bibliography
Dragone, Davide, et al. “Crime and the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana.” Journal of economic behavior & organization Vol. 159. No. 1. 2019, 488-501.
The article proves remarkable in examining the connection between the legalization of marijuana and increased rates of violent and property crime. It establishes the influence that legalizing marijuana for recreational use would have on the crime rate. The research in this source was carried out in the states of Washington and Oregon, which were among the first in the nation to enact legislation authorizing the recreational use of marijuana. Because the consequences of crime are pronounced in both studied states, the choice of study coverage strongly suggests that the research findings are credible. The evidence presented in this source demonstrates clearly and compellingly that the decriminalization of marijuana for recreational use has increased its consumption. While at the same time, consumption of other substances, including alcohol, has decreased. Additionally, it is an excellent method for establishing that legalization has reduced the rates of related crimes.
Hendricks, LaVelle, Amir Abassi, and Dean Aslinia. “The Pros and Cons of Marijuana.” National Forum of Counselling and Addiction. Vol. 2. No. 1. 2013.
A group of faculty members from Texas A&M University-Commerce with backgrounds in psychology, counseling, and special education contributed to the writing of this article. Their article does an excellent job of exploring the benefits and drawbacks of using marijuana for medical purposes. The article makes the point that many who are opposed to the use of marijuana for medical purposes claim that its legalization sends misleading connotations about the drug’s safety when it is used for recreational purposes. Some people believe that marijuana negatively affects one’s health, mainly from a psychological viewpoint. The pro-marijuana camp’s arguments center on the substance’s purported therapeutic applications. They further contend that the prosecution of criminal cases involving the possession, use, and sale of marijuana results in a significant financial burden being placed on the general public. In this article, we examine the conflicting conclusions obtained from various studies about the patterns of usage of marijuana with its legalized status.
Sabet, Kevin A., and Ken C. Winters, eds. Contemporary Health Issues on Marijuana. Oxford University Press, 2018.
The risks that marijuana poses to one’s health are broken down in great detail in the text. This text provides an in-depth examination of the possible future developments in areas such as the prevalence of usage and health concerns expected to be affected by the legalization of marijuana. The text reveals that laws regarding the legalization of marijuana should take into consideration the use of marijuana among young people and adolescents because studies have shown that marijuana usage affects the maturation of the brain. It sheds light on how the THC and CBD components in cannabis influence cognitive function and mental wellness. Furthermore, it reveals that the medicinal advantages of marijuana are primarily of a palliative rather than curative nature. It generally gives information on the various facts and debates surrounding marijuana.
“Recreational Marijuana Procon.Org.” Marijuana.Procon.Org.
The website provides sensible arguments made in favor of or against legalizing marijuana. It is via the contributions of well-known experts in marijuana-related sectors, as well as politicians that the benefits and drawbacks of legalizing the drug are explored. Marijuana’s medical benefits are one of the most prominent advantages. There will be less money spent on criminal investigations and prosecutions as legalization leads to decriminalization. Decriminalization will diminish drug trafficking and, as a result, organized crime will decline. Legal firms will generate cash for the country, which will help the economy grow. It is also argued that the negative health impacts of marijuana will outweigh the tax revenue gained by its sale. The costs of treating addiction, car accident victims, and emergency seizures are set to rise. According to the critics, a rise in the price of legitimately traded marijuana could lead to a surge in the illegal market.
Works Cited
Dragone, Davide, et al. “Crime and the Legalization of Recreational marijuana.” Journal of economic behavior & organization Vol. 159. No. 1. 2019, 488-501.
Hendricks, LaVelle, Amir Abassi, and Dean Aslinia. “The Pros and Cons of Marijuana.” National Forum of Counselling and Addiction. Vol. 2. No. 1. 2013.
Sabet, Kevin A., and Ken C. Winters, eds. Contemporary Health Issues on Marijuana. Oxford University Press, 2018.
“Recreational Marijuana Procon.Org.” Marijuana.Procon.Org.