drug legalization

Although at first Pro has a seemingly reasonable argument to legalise drugs, and whilst I agree that it would reduce the policing effort and help with decriminalisation of certain individuals, I believe the legalisation of marijuana is particularly dangerous. I aim to show why it is dangerous and the risks involved in taking this drug specifically. It should be noted that my spelling in not Americanised so please do not penalise me for that as it British English, and please do not penalise me for this either! It should be noted that there is a huge amount of interest around Cannabis. It is a political "hot potato" in many countries, both for those who agree with it's use and aim to promote it legalisation and those who oppose it's use and want effective policing and enforcing of the law to stop its use completely. In the UK millions have been spent identifying the dangers and benefits of the use of cannabis and the UK government has changed its position due to conflicting research. Cannabis is licensed for sufferers of multiple sclerosis of which I have little argument against Risks of taking drug. •Myocardial infarction increased chance by x4.8 (heart attack). Mental health (2001), Guardian (2001) •It increases the risk x2 of non-affective psychosis, risk x4 of delusions, Telegraph (2010) •It can lead to other serious mental health problems and increases the chance of cancer much more than cigarettes. •Even hardcore smokers can become anxious, panicky and suspicious. •It affects your coordination, which is one of the reasons why drug driving is just as illegal as drink driving. •Some people think cannabis is harmless because it's a plant – but it isn't harmless. Cannabis, like tobacco, has lots of chemical 'nasties', which can cause lung disease and cancer with long-term or heavy use, especially as it is often mixed with tobacco. Cannabis can also make asthma worse. •Cannabis is risky for anyone with a heart problem as it increases the heart rate and can affect blood pressure. •There's also increasing evidence of a link between cannabis and mental health problems such as schizophrenia. If you have a history of mental health problems, depression or you suffer from paranoia, then taking this drug is not a good idea. •Frequent use of cannabis can cut a man's sperm count and suppress ovulation in women. If you're pregnant, smoking cannabis may harm the baby. •Regular, heavy use makes it difficult to learn and concentrate. Some people feel tired all the time and can't get motivated. •Some users may want to buy stronger herbal cannabis to get a bigger 'high', but unpleasant reactions can be more powerful when you use stronger strains. Stronger varieties may lead to more severe dependence or more severe mental health effects, NHS (2009), NHS (2009a). •Chance of schizophrenia increased by 40%, Guardian (2007) •Increases the chance of depression, NHS (2010) •Due to paranoia although initially calming the drug can cause aggressive and even violent behaviour. Long term user can maintain a distinct temper more so than previous, even after ceasing the drug, Case Study (2010) •Cannabis is psychologically addictive, NHS (2009) http://www.library.nhs.uk... http://www.guardian.co.uk... http://www.telegraph.co.uk... http://www.nhs.uk... http://www.nhs.uk... http://www.nhs.uk... http://www.nhs.uk... http://www.nhs.uk... Driving whilst under the influence of cannabis increases the risk of being involved in an accident by a factor of 10, BBC (2005). http://news.bbc.co.uk... Cannabis is extremely dangerous and destructive, Youtube (2010) http://www.youtube.com... http://www.youtube.com... There maybe arguments that try and persuade us that to legalise Cannabis would protect individuals from impure drugs from dealers, this maybe true to a degree but it is not sufficient reason to legalise the destructive drug. People also argue that they do not want a criminal record when they only "smoke a little weed", and although I sympathise with this position they need to realise they are supporting criminal gangs usually. It is my view that if people "need" cannabis then they need therapy not understanding.