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Persuasive Essay On Legalizing Marijuana

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The decision whether to legalize marijuana is a difficult topic in the United States because marijuana has both positives and negatives. Marijuana, also called pot, weed, Mary Jane, grass, bud, or blunt, is a mixture of dried leaves and Cannabis. Marijuana can be either smoked or mixed into foods for consumption. Marijuana is an illegal drug that has become accessible to people through illegal drug trafficking and also through legal medical treatment.
Marijuana is known as a safe alternative to prescription drugs, but studies have shown that the consumption of marijuana causes abnormalities in the density, volume, and shape of the brain (Berman). The abnormalities caused by marijuana lead to a loss in an average of 8 points in IQ (Nemko). …show more content…

Some states allow it for recreational use, but others just for medicinal purposes. However, there are many states that deem marijuana as a dangerous drug. The legalization of marijuana will enhance societal ills which will outweigh the monetary benefits that could be achieved once legalized.
Marijuana comes with significant cost burdens that are due to the increased consumption of marijuana. Marijuana is a dangerous drug that should not be legalized in the United States of America. Marijuana in the United States used to be legal, but was illegalized 1937 because it was linked to violence. The illegalization of marijuana by the United States government has caused issues with states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use.
Marijuana is a dangerous drug because the long-term effects are unknown since there has not been enough research conducted. There will be an increase in accessibility to young children and teenagers. Also, the legalization of marijuana will lead to the legalization of other potent drugs because marijuana is a gateway drug. Marijuana causes the user to experience impairments which include distortions of time and space perceptions and impairs coordination. The impairments of marijuana users will increase drug impaired driving, which will cause more accidents. Lastly, the addictive nature will lead to an increase in marijuana

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