The drug marijuana, commonly called cannabis, is able to result in a variety of physical and psychological effects. The primary chemical responsible for most of the psychoactive effects found in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol. This chemical is found in the range of five to fifteen percent.
Legalizing marijuana would permit it to be taken out from the hands of criminals and made accessible for the control of police agencies. The production process would be controlled and authorities could test for quality, purity, potency, and harmful substances prior to distribution to the public. To raise revenue for the state taxes can also be assessed on cannabis products.
Closely linked with this argument is the notion that the legalization of marijuana will lead to more efficient distribution of resources by police. In some areas the legalization of marijuana has resulted in appalling prison conditions for minor offenders. This in turn diverts funds from fighting violent crime.
Legalization also allows authorities to manage the distribution process. The implementation of quality standards is possible to ensure that drugs do not get given to schoolchildren who may mistake them for candy. At present, dealers do not have any incentive to avoid selling illegal drugs to children. Governments would be able to tax marijuana sales as well as allow them to take a percentage of the profits from the production and distribution. The reduction in crime legalization results in a reduction in state costs due to the less need for police.
Legalization could also allow the government to regulate the negative environmental impacts of marijuana production. Many fear that marijuana production in large quantities will cause deforestation, soil erosion, depletion chemical pollution, and land loss. In allowing the state to monitor cultivation techniques the negative environmental impact can be minimized or completely eliminated.
Legalization could allow for better education about the use of marijuana. These programs could be targeted at adolescents and children, and inform them about possible side effects of using marijuana. Instead of being hidden from people by drug dealers who have no motivation to keep them well-informed, information regarding how to use drugs safely would be available to anyone who is interested in finding out more about them.
Legalization will also permit the state to monitor and tax the trade in drugs. Legalization could mean higher revenues for the state, and also the decrease of crime and its harmful social effects. The negative environmental impacts of marijuana production can be mitigated or avoided by the state authorities who are responsible for monitoring cultivation techniques and growing locations. In addition, more education programs about marijuana use can help people make informed choices regarding its usage.
There are many arguments for legalizing marijuana. There aren’t many arguments against marijuana are made. The negative effects of criminalization will far outweigh any advantages that may come from it. It is clear that marijuana must be legalized by governments for recreational use.
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