Should marijuana be legalized? ✓ Solved

Recent years have seen a considerable shift in attitudes towards marijuana use for recreational and medical use. However, given the adverse consequences, including health issues associated with marijuana use, it should not be legalized, and its criminalization should continue.

Marijuana use has an adverse effect on cognition. Cognitive function can decline significantly with marijuana use, particularly due to the active compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which acts on brain receptors associated with cognitive function (Meier et al., 2012; Scott et al., 2018). Several studies support the claim that persistent cannabis use can lead to neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife, indicating that long-term users are at risk of cognitive impairments that may persist through adulthood.

Moreover, legalizing marijuana contributes to increased usage among adolescents, with potentially deleterious outcomes. The consumption of marijuana among teens has been shown to rise in states that have legalized the drug. This is particularly alarming considering that teenagers’ brains are still in development, and marijuana use can impair cognitive functioning, affecting their school performance. Reports from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicate that marijuana consumption rates among young individuals are significantly higher in legalized states (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020; Ammerman et al., 2014).

Pregnancy also raises concerns regarding marijuana use. Women who consume marijuana during pregnancy face risks including anemia, low birth weight, and potential long-term health issues for the child (Gunn et al., 2016; Sturrock et al., 2021). Evidence indicates that marijuana use in pregnant women can adversely affect both maternal and child health, resulting in detrimental outcomes that outweigh any perceived benefits of legalization.

Additionally, the impact of marijuana on road safety cannot be overlooked. Statistics show an increase in motor vehicle collisions related to marijuana use, with THC often detected in the blood of drivers involved in fatal accidents. Marijuana impairs judgment related to speed and distance, significantly slowing reaction times, leading to higher accident rates in states where marijuana is legalized (Insurance Journal, 2019; Rogeberg & Elvik, 2016).

Furthermore, legalization of marijuana could result in an increase in medical emergencies associated with its use. In states where marijuana has been legalized, there has been a noticeable uptick in hospitalizations and primary care visits related to marijuana use, indicating that the supposed benefits of legalization come with substantial risks (Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, 2019; Wang et al., 2018).

While there are counterarguments advocating for the medical use of marijuana—such as its efficacy in alleviating pain through the action of THC on brain receptors (Whiting et al., 2015)—the broader implications cannot be ignored. Depending on marijuana’s legality could result in more harm than good, especially considering the associated adverse consequences highlighted in previous points.

In conclusion, despite some arguments in favor of medical marijuana use, the associated risks of cognitive decline, adverse outcomes for adolescents and pregnancies, increased accident rates, and rising medical emergencies support the stance that marijuana should remain illegal. The costs of legalization significantly outweigh any potential benefits.

Reflection on Research Process

Learning to conduct research is a vital skill applicable to academia and professional life. The most challenging aspect for me was finding credible sources to support my arguments, which required thorough reading and analysis of materials to verify their relevance. This meticulous process was often tedious and time-consuming.

Regarding my working thesis statement, it clearly delineates my position against marijuana legalization, identifying health issues as key factors influencing my stance. This statement serves as a concise summary of my argument, encapsulating the adverse consequences tied to marijuana use.

My detailed outline effectively organizes the argument regarding the risks of marijuana use, focusing on cognitive impairment, adverse effects on adolescents and pregnancy, and increased motor vehicle accidents, among other points. While I’ve presented substantial arguments, I welcome feedback on additional information that could enhance the comprehensiveness of my essay. I am also seeking advice on MLA formatting and citation techniques to ensure accuracy in my references.

References

  • Ammerman, Seth, et al. "The impact of marijuana policies on youth: clinical, research, and legal update." Pediatrics 135, no. 5 (2014): e769-e785.

  • Gunn, J. K. L., et al. "Prenatal exposure to cannabis and maternal and child health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis." BMJ Open 6, no. 12 (2016): e009986.

  • Insurance Journal. "Some Data Indicates Increasing Accident Rates in Marijuana States," 01 April 2019.

  • Meier, Madeline H., et al. "Persistent cannabis users show neuropsychological decline from childhood to midlife." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 109, no. 40 (2012): E2657-E2664.

  • Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. "The legalization of marijuana in Colorado: The impact," September 2019.

  • Rogeberg, Ole, and Rune Elvik. "The effects of cannabis intoxication on motor vehicle collision revisited and revised." Addiction 111, no. 5 (2016): 811-820.

  • Scott, J. C., et al. "Association of cannabis with cognitive functioning in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis." JAMA Psychiatry 75, no. 6 (2018): 593-602.

  • Sturrock, Sarah, et al. "Maternal smoking and cannabis use during pregnancy and infant outcomes." Journal of Perinatal Medicine 48, no. 2 (2021): 157-165.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Comparison of Population Percentages (50 States and the District of Columbia).

  • Wang, George Sam, et al. "Impact of marijuana legalization in Colorado on adolescent emergency and urgent care visits." Journal of Adolescent Health 63, no. 2 (2018): 240-245.

  • Whiting, Penny F., et al. "Cannabinoids for medical use: a systematic review and meta-analysis." JAMA 313, no. 24 (2015): 2465-2483.