Over the past several years and continuing into today, the legalization of marijuana has proven to be a hotly contested issue. The two opposing arguments have fallen under partisan lines with Democrats generally gravitating towards legalization and Republicans advocating the opposite. However, presidential candidates of either party have typically refused to touch the subject with a ten-foot pole, up until now.
With more research available than ever and with 10 states and the District of Columbia having already legalized recreational marijuana, the topic is now fair game in presidential primaries. Several Democrats are jumping on board the train. All this newfound media attention and research has some pro-legalization advocates claiming vindication, but all the while, those against the proposal aren’t convinced.
In the entire history of the human race using or even acknowledging the existence of marijuana, not a single person has died due to an overdose. Researchers estimate that in order to overdose from marijuana, you would have to consume 1,500 pounds in 15 minutes. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that up to 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is no definitive research to support the claim that marijuana is a “gateway” drug. This, however, by no means should dismiss or minimize the fact that there are health risks to the consumption of marijuana.
In spite of the significant research out there, from credible sources nonetheless, some are hell-bent on proving that the legalization of marijuana is a mistake. Their argument is based on a few factors, but the three consistent pieces of evidence are that the use of marijuana leads to “hard” drugs, the mental health risks are substantial, and that there isn’t enough research out there yet.
Pro-legalization advocates are not ones to sit on the sidelines, letting critics take aim at them. Their supporting evidence is wide-ranging, finding footholds in social justice, the economy, and health. They cite the criminal justice reform, the creation of jobs, and the reduction of danger due to research.
I like certain aspects of both sides of the argument, but there are also problems with both. Those fighting to keep current bans in place or even increase restrictions believe that marijuana is a gateway drug. While there are some cases and studies that support this claim, there is no substantive proof to confirm either side of this argument. I also don’t buy the claim that there isn’t enough research out there. There is substantial literature out in the world that focuses on marijuana. What percentage of that research supports or maligns the legalization of marijuana I don’t know, but it is beside the point.
Surprisingly, I like some of the points made by this side that aren’t as key of a factor in their argument. For example, the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects, present in marijuana has increased from 5% to 25% since the 1970s and 80s. There has to be more research into what might one day be considered the optimal percentage of THC to minimize the potential health risks.
On the flip side, the pro-pot people often exaggerate the impact that legalized marijuana would have on the economy. While the creation of jobs must not be considered a complete falsehood, that there would be some mass exodus to open one’s very own recreational marijuana store is laughable. I’d also caution those who push for legalization to not overreach with statements that diminish the possible dangers or that they shoot too high with expectations of a quick battle.
Despite finding issues and holes within both sides of the argument, I believe that the positives outweigh the negatives. I believe that in legalizing recreational marijuana, the American populace will experience a number of favorable outcomes. First of all, the stigma surrounding marijuana will start to dissipate, leading to even more research and adding to the seemingly never-ceasing flow of new information. Secondly, legalization advocates, along with myself, believe that the criminal justice system disproportionately affects minorities, especially African-Americans. I think this is indicative of the larger problem surrounding the lack of legalized marijuana on a federal level.
One day, all this might culminate in research money going towards the ill-effects of other drugs which could face potential legalization. Until that happens, and perhaps for the better, marijuana remains the topic of choice.
Legalization of marijuana or even other harder drugs is at the center of an intersectional web of economic, racial, and moral issues facing this country. The movement of drug legalization as a whole is hardly perfect and it must be done responsibly and methodically. But, based on the information available, the legalization of marijuana is only the first step. If this comes to fruition, we can then start on the multitude of issues that are extended from what I consider a new baseline. Issues regarding jobs, prison reform, and more will begin to crumble. It will be a slow process, but it is a necessary one for our country to endure and emerge from. •
For those politicians that are still trying to stop the legalization of recreational marijuana even though WE THE PEOPLE have spoken and want it legalized .REMEMBER…. We voted you into that position and WE THE PEOPLE can and will VOTE YOU OUT . That’s DEMOCRACY in the USA