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The Negative Effects Of Marijuana

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Marijuana is sweeping the nation. How might this affect people’s everyday lives? Is the progression on legalization a good thing or a bad thing? In order to answer that, the people must first consider the health effects of the consumer and the economic effects of the nation. Marijuana could have both positive and negative effects on the health of the user and the economy.

While marijuana does indeed have some health benefits, it also has many adverse health effects and can lead to several social discrepancies. Some of the negative health effects are risk of addiction, slowed brain development, slowed cognitive functions, slowed motor functions, potential cancer, nausea, and a possible link to mental illness. Some of the …show more content…

The first benefit that is worth considering is that Opiate related deaths decrease in areas where marijuana has been legalized and regulated. “Both the US and Canada are currently dealing with an increase in addiction and death from fentanyl, oxycodone and other opiates. Two large studies have shown about a 25% decrease in deaths from opiate overdose associated with the legalization of medical cannabis and the availability of dispensaries”. (Mitchell) The reason this study is so important and significant is because the accusation stating that marijuana has become a gateway drug has become common knowledge. This study proves the adverse effect of that opinion. Another health benefit that stems from marijuana use is pain reduction. “Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers have found that medical marijuana users experience significant pain relief and function with only minor side effects, according to a new study”. (NewsRx Health) Another factor to consider when discussing the matter of legalization is the economic change that could potentially occur as a result of this.

Some of the obvious economic advantages of legalized marijuana are involving tax revenue, job opportunities, and decriminalization. “The marijuana economy is booming and could hit $44 million by 2020 if current trends continue. The business of legal

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