Llegalization of marijuana.

Answer

Marijuana Legalization
The economic, social, and legal history of marijuana in the US is complex. Despite the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana across various states in the nation, the product is still categorized as a drug by the federal government which possesses a high drug abuse potential and lacks a known medicinal use currently (Wilkinson, et al. 454). The debate around the legalization of marijuana is still inconclusive due to the associated risks and side effects due to its abuse. Also, the level of legalization varies from one state to another with some recognizing it for medical and leisure use while others demonize it as a drug with highly negative impacts on human health.
Risks and Side Effects Associated with Use of Marijuana
According to Leyton, marijuana has adverse side effects on the respiratory system. Marijuana smoking release carcinogens and toxins that are inhaled by the user (75). The implication is that the individual gets exposed to lung cancer, neck cancer, head cancer, and other respiratory complications (Krystal 474). However, this risk is only common with heavy smokers who overuse the drug (Wilkinson, et al. 459).
Marijuana legalization reduces the cases of driving under alcohol influence. reduced price and increased use of marijuana consumption reduce the amount of alcohol intake. This implies that the two-act as substitutes. However, driving under the intoxication of marijuana increases the risk of collision twofold that of alcohol rates. This is because the driving ability is impaired by the tetrahydrocannabinol active component in the drug-making drivers slow the speed and overcompensate their driving prowess (Wilkinson, et al. 458).
Implications of Legalization of Marijuana
One of the impacts associated with marijuana legalization is the increased use of weed. As medical marijuana gets legalized, the drug’s demand and supply with increase. Since it is readily available, more people can access it hence it is consumed even by the underage population (Wilkinson, et al. 457). Additionally, people who use marijuana have a high likelihood of consuming harder drugs such as heroin and cocaine (Krystal 475). Thus, marijuana, which is considered a mild opioid drug use acts as a getaway drug for others (Wilkinson, et al. 457).
On the positive side, marijuana legalization eliminates associated state and criminal penalties (Pacula and Smart 3). Compared to their white counterparts, most individuals arrested for marijuana-related crimes are black men. For instance, during traffic stops, black men have a higher likelihood of undergoing a search than the white race. Thus, legalization of the drug means a reduced arrest rate among people of color and hence a diminished racial bias during policing (Krystal 473).
Marijuana legalization also reduces non-drug crime rates. Since consumption of marijuana substitutes alcohol abuse, the cases of assault and homicide are considerably reduced (Leyton 75). The result is due to the presumption that alcohol consumption is highly associated with violent crime. Therefore, crime occurrence in their immediate vicinity is diminished. Overall, marijuana produces net benefits to societal crime management (Pacula and Smart 16).
Efforts Towards Legalization of Marijuana
The federal government has opposed legalization of marijuana cultivation and sale (Yu, et al. 8). However, Marijuana legalization has continued to gain popularity among the public. One of the acts towards the legalization of marijuana presented to the senate is the MORE (marijuana opportunity reinvestment and expungement) Act. The act takes power from the federal government and devolves it to individual states to develop their policies governing the use of marijuana. It also expunges convictions related to the drug in a bid to reconcile the damage law enforcement bias has created against people of color (Pacula and Smart 4). The act also sets aside part of the tax paid to the federal government to facilitates licensing of cannabis business, treatment from the substance, use, and job training aimed at reclaiming communities and individuals harmed by the prohibition of marijuana use.
On the state level, New York came up with the SMART NY campaign aimed at regulating the marijuana industry and fostering inclusivity against unjust and racially biased prohibition. The state also enacted the MRTA (Marijuana Regulation and Taxation) Act which creates a tightly governed system to foster responsible marijuana use by people above 21 years of age. The act also promotes reality-based and comprehensive drug training and reduces access to the drug among young people (Pacula and Smart 10-11). In New Mexico, DPA has also advocated a constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana sale, use, and possession. The reason behind the push is to support the agricultural economy, generate commerce, and increase tax revenue.
In conclusion, although an overdose of marijuana cannot kill, strategies to reduce its harm and promote a safe experience should be adopted. On the positive side, legalization of marijuana is championed because it results in reduced violent crimes, creates job opportunities for farmers in the sector, promotes consumer education and hence safety of sue, and minimizes racial injustices meted against people of color. However, overuse of the drug has been associated with respiratory diseases and reduced driving ability hence high chances of a collision.