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Should Marijuana Be Legalized?

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Final Research Paper In 2012, marijuana was legalized for recreational use in Colorado. Now it is legal in Washington D.C., Oregon and Alaska, only fully legal for recreational use in Washington D.C. and Colorado. Legalization is not necessarily the issue any more. Child psychiatrist Mitchell S. Rosenthal stated, “At this point in the country’s history, whether pot is legal or not is no longer the main issue. The issue is the danger that marijuana poses to kids, how parents can protect their children from that danger, and what the rest of society—absent the criminal justice system--can do to support them.” Although legalization is rapidly spreading, it needs to come to a halt. Marijuana should not be legalized due to the dangers it poses …show more content…

Teens choose to ignore the studies that prove that the substance is just as dangerous if not worse. Studies have been shown to prove that not only does marijuana cause depression but also suicidal thoughts. (Child-Proofing Pot By: David Sack pg 1). Not only did that article bring up the facts previously mentioned, but further research shows that marijuana increases suicidal thoughts and tendencies. In fact, in the article “Study: Bad Outcomes for Teen Pot Users” it is stated that “Teenagers who smoke pot daily…seven times as likely to attempt suicide” Marijuana has a side effect of making humans more lazy and more depressed, because of the fact that the drug is a depressant, not a stimulant. Lastly, teenagers who smoke marijuana tend to have a difficult time learning also due to the fact that marijuana slows the human body’s system, and reaction time way down. From the article, “Study: Bad Outcomes for Teen Pot Users” it is stated, “Because marijuana is an illegal drug, you have to buy it in an illegal manner, and then you’re exposed to the black market. Marijuana use is affiliating you with other kids, some of whom might be problematic-people more likely to question authority. You become affiliated things that might have a negative impact on your education.” Teenagers don’t see that by smoking pot they are jeopardizing their futures.
Another negative side effect of cannabis is the dangers it

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