Marijuana is Disgusting and Ought to Not Be Legalized, For Various Reasons Other Than The One Stated

I'm sorry for the unfortunate forfeit round; I've been busy and my immediate needs precede those of mine on this site. Anyhow, since you seem to agree with me that we're still arguing on whether this drug ought to be immediately legalized for recreational use, let us continue arguing this point, as you have mentioned that I did indeed adjust my viewpoint and now do not oppose the CURRENT policy of the two states in which the drug is legalized; indeed, all that I am opposed to presently is the FURTHER legalization of this drug. So, as I've mentioned, I'm opposed to immediate further legalization with my argument revolving around three points so far: 1. The smoke of marijuana contains harmful substances 2. Abuse of this drug entails many known health risks 3. Not enough quality studies have been conducted on potential or additional health risks I think I haven't mentioned this before, but, if legalized NATIONWIDE and then researched, the obvious risk is not only that it might have unknown health risks and many people's lives will be affected, but that also, if prohibition is attempted, it might become extremely problematic. You've already removed all restrictions and told people it's okay- do you really think they're going to listen when you tell them it's not? The damage will have been done, and the need to get high will preside over the need to obey authority. We humans spend a lot of time tending to our habits. Since you and I both are aware of the fact that marijuana is a psychoactive drug that impairs the brain temporarily, let us consider the effects on the economy and social system if it is legalized. You maintain that alcohol is worse, and, counter-intuitively, legalized. And I don't disagree that alcohol is worse. All I'm saying is, alcohol, during the foundation of our country, was NOT made illegal. Not only that, alcohol has a had a place, in many forms, in all world cultures, and it is not only used as a drug- it seems to be mainly used as a beverage. I certainly don't believe in getting drunk- toward this subject I keep the same attitude as I do toward weed- but the simple fact is, alcohol has such a place in society, whether you think like me or not, you're never going to be able to make it illegal. It's a shame, really, that so many bright, intelligent people (or otherwise) but their time into making themselves stupid under the influence of alcohol. Tell me, do I sound like I'm advocating the defense of alcohol? I don't NEED to defend it; most people will wholeheartedly do so anyway. Sadly. What I'm saying is, why add to the problem? Why would someone- with more information about health risks or not- knowingly make something like this, something that hinders thinking, legal? When you legalize something like this on a national scale, the most likely scenario is that more and more people will use it more and more frequently. We've got alcohol, now we have another mind-numbing substance? Excuse me, isn't there a problem here? And as to what you said- that people ought to choose for themselves whether to cause bodily harm to themselves or not- are you aware that, under that pretense, you could argue for the legalization of any number of things, such as cocaine, PCP, LSD, Krokodil- I could go on and on. WE KNOW these things are harmful, and, if we encouraged people, through legalization, to encourage others to use these things, we'd be in quite a fix- unless you have some sort of counter- argument? You have to realize the effects of peer pressure. What's more, interestingly, drinking while under the influence of weed and alcohol increases risks twofold. Let's discuss some possible economic and social implications of recreational-use legalization. I'll use www. globaldrugpolicy. org for this purpose. .. "Economists estimate that marijuana use will increase by 75% - 289% once legalized, or more if advertising is permitted. " You do realize what that means, right? It means that, once legalization goes through, between 13.05 million and 47.85 million new users will be created. As for school productivity and the welfare of teenagers- "Marijuana can cause disinterest in activities, lower grades and isolation from the family. It can permanently impair brain development. Problem solving, concentration, motivation and memory are negatively affected. Teens who use marijuana are more likely to engage in delinquent and dangerous behavior and experience increased risk of schizophrenia and depression including being three times more likely to have suicidal thoughts. (73)". You mean to say, dear opponent, that you are willing to, in our already educationally-lacking country, you would put the welfare, education, and FUTURE of teens and other school-aged children at risk? ?? You do realize it decreases ambition for achievement, among other things? ?? You would risk the future of our nation, for we are indeed taking into account our future, on the pretense that legalization could possibly reduce crime rates? ?? "Our drug treatment facilities are full of young people dealing with marijuana related problems. One study of children in treatment showed that, 48% were admitted for abuse or addiction to marijuana, while only 19.3 % for alcohol and 2.9 % for cocaine, 2.4 % for methamphetamine and 2.3 % for heroin (74). " That's a MASSIVE statistic, 48 percent. But it only makes sense, seeing as how use is so common in these "young people". "Marijuana use accounts for tens of thousands of marijuana related complaints at emergency rooms throughout the United States each year. Over 99,000 are young people (75). " Yep, go ahead and multiply all these statistics with legalization and see what you get! "As many as 13 % of high school seniors said they drove after using marijuana while only 10 % drove after having five or more drinks. Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 20 (76). " So yeah, go and argue that more high school students drive drunk than high, but first, ponder for a least a moment that statistic. "In spite of legalization, crime is endemic and will not diminish even though the kinds of crimes committed might change. In fact, under a heavily regulated legalization regime, police detentions for marijuana-related offenses may dwarf the current rate. " "Legalization will increase drugged driving and more drugged driving will mean more dead and injured drivers and other innocent victims and all the cost related to these tragedies (78). " And, as to the argument that legalization will keep people out of prison. .. "Under our current laws few offenders are in prison for marijuana possession. No more than two-tenths of one percent (.2%) of federal inmates are locked up for marijuana possession and, among state prisoners, only one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) are in for marijuana possession without a prior record (81)" "The proponents of legalization ignore the fact that legal sanctions deter or delay potential abusers, thereby limiting the growth of the illicit market. Law enforcement also leverages drug users/addicts into treatment through the use of drug courts that offer treatment as an alternative to incarceration. " But, of course, then you'll have more people attempting withdrawal being treated in centers, which means more of people's money down the drain. I beg your patience. I'm not done yet. "According to a recent study by Colorado State University, Colorado"s legalization experiment will require retailers of marijuana to charge 318% more than producers (82). The same study also found that current estimates of legalization"s revenue potential are overblown by about 60% and that, in reality, legalization would raise revenue equal to only 1% of Colorado"s budget. " "Ultimately, this will push users into the black market and drive retailers into the tax-evading "grey market. " Law enforcement resources will need to be re-marshaled to address problems caused by marijuana-impaired driving, underage purchases, and criminals who seek to undercut licensed marijuana retailers. " So, not only is legalization grossly unfounded on scientific facts, more so founded on risk, and not as clear-cut as you deem it to be, it could also be seriously detrimental to work and production. "Legalization will not only have devastating consequences for health, crime, and productivity, it is a waste of taxpayer dollars that could much more wisely be spent on more effective deficit-reducing measures. Likewise, if the public buys marijuana, this diverts funds from the national economy that are available for more productive purposes like education, research, and prevention. Even if tobacco use has so far been shown to cause more health harms than marijuana it does not follow that legalization is a justifiable policy shift in light of its harms. " I agree with this entirely- why cater to just another ultimately useless hobby that burns money and will only have the most awful effects on our national well-being? Sure, legalize it- and then see how many people call in sick (weed increases risks for various diseases) and pour their time and money into treatment AS WELL AS buying weed. Less productive students equals less productive workers, and thus a less productive economy. You really want to add to people's stress levels by giving them another addiction? To encourage them, with the argument that it's better than alcohol or tobacco, to add to their insecurity and and escape tendencies and have perhaps a third of the nation having to deal with withdrawal? Think realistically. 1. Known risks 2. Lack of conclusive studies 3. Lack of studies about medical benefits 4. Progressive economic harm 5. Inhibition of students' ability to learn Think about you're doing before you chant "Legalization". This drug will really hinder our attempts at better-educated workers, that's for sure. Why add to the problems we ALREADY have?