First, please read:
Marijuana Shouldn't be Legalized(Response)
I'd like to thank @Political_dude for showing interest!
1. In response to: "It's extremely addictive for some people"
First of all, cannabis has been used for over 10,000 years and not one single death has EVER been recorded. It is actually far less addictive than caffeine. It's never been proven to have led to someone's death.
Even if weed was very addictive, legalization would turn in my favour. If legalized, far less more minors would be using Cannabis. Why you ask? I believe if weed would be sold in stores, valid ID must be given and the user must be at least 21 years of age. After customers start buying from these weed dispensaries, drug dealers would vanish and the ones that stick around would be most likely dealing hard drugs. So not only would this addiction would happen to fewer minors, but everyone would actually be safer because it is very dangerous while dealing with a drug dealer as they are a wild card. Who knows what they did to it, laced it with other things, etc?
Also, alcohol and cigarettes are way more addictive and harmful, yet they are legal?
2. In response to: "It Has No Acceptable Medicinal Use"
If we are talking physically here, weed is extremely useful. It helps relieve pain for chemo/radiation therapy patients. It stimulates appetite which is of high value because chemo reduces appetite. Just because it is not approved by the FDA, doesn't mean it has no medical use.
Tobacco use has a high chance of killing users over time.
Alcohol can kill directly, cause diseases when consumed in excess and cause users to make completely irrational choices that can result in death.
Both are legal, enough said. Having no medicinal use is not a factor in legalization.
3. In response to: "Marijuana is terrible for your mental health"
Political_dude states that "the younger the person starts using marijuana, the worse the effects become." But as established before, less minors will be using weed after legalization. He also states that "Marijuana may even be WORSE than cigarettes" but i find this hard to believe. It's clear that cigarettes are more harmful than weed, and there are countless sources finding this. It is also common sense.
BUT even if you don't care about any of that. Marijuana is great for your mental health. Marijuana cures and prevents Alzheimer and Glaucoma, helps relieve stress, anxiety, depression, etc etc.
4. In response to: "It has Physical Consequences as Well"
I feel life i've already established that this is wrong. Also, the benefits of legalization I've mentioned in my first Take and this one greatly outweigh any of these hypothetical harms.
5. In response to: "Amsterdam's Failed Experiment"
We cannot base an entire prediction of our country on an experiment in Amsterdam. History means nothing. This was 6 years ago, anyways.
Share thoughts below!
Most Helpful Opinions