Currently, many people associate harmful narcotics with harmless stimulants. This also happened in 1920s, most people perceived marijuana as a mind altering drug. They compared it with addictive drugs such as heroin and cocaine. However, marijuana was widely used before that time. It was among the legal drugs in countries such as Virginia and America. Virginia broadly advocated its plantation for commercial use. Its prohibition, as an illegal drug, is greatly associated with political issues and racism (Tate, Taylor and Sawyer 72). This is evidenced by what took place in Mexico; the Texas legislator perceived Mexicans as crazy people who had spoilt themselves with overconsumption of marijuana (Burnham 3).
Most people who oppose the use of marijuana associate it with health problems such as mental turmoil and un-societal behaviors. However, the negative effects of marijuana are minimal compared to its advantages to the society. Marijuana also does not cause mental problems as many people think. In case of impairment, it is evident that those who are high rarely commit crimes. Marijuana users are often not aggressive. Additionally, the users do not indulge in dangerous jokes and activities as many people claim; in fact marijuana users are the best law observers.
In the field of medicine, marijuana plays a very significant role. It aids significantly in the treatment of cancer (Kubby and Rosenthal 8). Additionally, it is the best pain reliever. “The National Eye Institute and the Institute of Medicine both have concluded that marijuana can indeed reduce the intraocular pressure of glaucoma patients,” (Burnham 4). Occasionally, those who suffer from glaucoma lose eye sight and experience high fluid pressure within the eyes. Fortunately, marijuana aids in the reduction of fluid pressures within the eyes of individuals suffering from glaucoma (Morgan 8).
Marijuana is also an appetite stimulator. It is used to stimulate the appetite of individuals undergoing chemotherapy. It also provides relaxation to individuals and patients who are stressed. In most occasions, patients suffering from AIDs and HIV, Crohn’s disease, and arthritis suffer from nausea. Unlike other drugs, marijuana ends nausea, pain and anxiety (Burnham 6). Thus, it is crucial for marijuana to be legalized so as to solve problems associated with these diseases.
Most states in the world advocate freedom of expression. Prohibition of marijuana therefore impairs with human rights. Thus, it is crucial for a federal government to legalize marijuana and leave people to make their own decisions concerning its effects (Morgan 11). It is also crucial for a federal government to set an age limit for its usage instead of emphasizing on its prohibition.
Marijuana is also a good source of income. America greatly relies on it in advancing its economy. Legalization of marijuana will therefore contribute to increase in income through its taxation as any other legal product. Legalization of marijuana will also save on spending; its legalization will lead to reduction of the amount spent in arresting and prosecuting its users (Morgan 13).
In conclusion, it is essential for the federal government to legalize the use of marijuana because its advantages bypass its negatives. Marijuana is so essential in control of fatal diseases such as HIV and AIDs, cancer and Crohn’s disease. Marijuana users have also been found not dangerous as many people think. Additionally, the use of marijuana contributes immensely to the economy of many states.
Works Cited
Burnham, Alex. Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana. Munich: GRIN Verlag, 2013. Print.
Kubby, Steve, and E. Rosenthal. Why Marijuana Should be Legal. New York: Running Press, 2003. Print.
Morgan, Kayla. Legalizing Marijuana. Johnson City: ABDO, 2010. Print.
Tate, Katherine, Taylor James, and Sawyer Mark. Something’s in the Air: Race, Crime, and the Legalization of Marijuana. New York: Routledge, 2013. Print.