The Legalization of Marijuana

"Maybe some don't do it because it is illegal, but after it being illegal for so long and having so much bad media shoved in their faces about the drug, do you really think they will just start in on it right away? You don't think people like you who think it is so awful and the bad media it gets won't still influence a lot of people? I think that the people who want to do it are doing it now, and the ones that don't want to still won't want to. But, legalizing it would make it safer for those that do it and help in many other ways"-- Alcohol and Tobacco both are always criticized about how bad they are, but that doesn't stop people from doing it and even underage people starting to do it. I feel people use any drug in general for two reasons. One being people being peer pressured into doing it. So many kids get peer pressured into these sort of things and get addicted at a young age. This is one of my main points, we should be trying to stop the distribution of marijuana. It effects these kids who get into it. Their school work becomes less important, the way the act changes, and ultimately it can effect the rest of their lives if they start at a young age. The second reason I feel people do the drug is for "recreational use." Do people really not get enjoyment out of other things? If drugs are the only thing people turn to for enjoyment then their is a problem. These people need help. "Sure, but all drugs, including legal ones have negative side effects. If people do not know the side effects, that is their fault for not being responsible abut using the drug. Also, if they have bad side effects that they weren't expecting, they probably won't do the drug again. Those who know the side effects and still want to use it should be allowed to as they are allowed to use many other drugs."--You say all drugs have side effects and yes they do, but these include drugs that are prescribed for patients who need medication. Of course all drugs have side effects, but the drugs are to help the people who are sick. Their is a difference, people who use marijuana aren't getting it prescribed by a doctor, they are not in need of the drug. The other drugs that have side effects, are for people who are ill and need the medication either way. There are side effects for marijuana users who DON"T need the drug, and there are side effects for sick patients who DO need some type of drug "The illegality of the drug is what makes it the most dangerous. It leads to theft, shady dealing, dealers lacing the drug, and other bad effects. These would all be reduced and easily prevented with its legalization because it would have to be regulated, pass health inspections, and other such safety measures."-- You think legalizing the drug is going to stop theft or even users to stop buying from dealers. People will still steal to get money for the drugs and there will still be dealers trying to sell at lower prices. That still leaves problems of dirty dealing and lacing if dealers are still out there. Just because the drug would be legalized does not mean dealers will stop what they are doing. It would make it even harder to crack down on these dealers since marijuana would be so easily available. "Actually I think legalizing and educating about the possible side effects would reduce the number of users. They are no educated on the side effects as much because it is illegal and they are expected not to use it. Let us also remember that the side effects listed do not always appear. The drug effects everyone differently. They also did not say how common these side effects were which is important. Certain drugs can lead to death in certain situations but it is likely a very rare side effect. As for the pregnancy side effects, I think that is a matter of being responsible. Women know not to take drugs when they are on their period like alcohol and smoking, so why would you think it is ok to take a different one? That is the stupidity of the woman and not the fault of the drug."-- First of all, we do educate kids across the country about how harmful drugs are, and that does nothing anymore. We still have people doing all kinds of drugs. Educating wouldn't change anything, kids are going to do what they want to do. Side effects do occur in almost all cases to some extent. Additionally, people are not responsible. Some people drive after the use or make other stupid decisions. Legalizing the drug would just make everything more readily available for these people to just be irresponsible. The responsibility issue is brought up a few times by you, so I just want to talk about it for a minute. Drug users are not responsible. Sure some of them are, but for the most part they are people who make irrational decisions. We can not trust just anyone to be responsible with drugs. Even today we worry about people drunk driving and alcohol is legal. The same thing could happen with the legalization of marijuana. There is no solid, concrete reason why marijuana should be legalized. I have brought up reasons why it should remain illegal and my opponent just disputes them. Their is no reason why it should be legalized. I feel that the negative outcomes that already come from marijuana and the negative outcomes that can continue to come from the legalization of marijuana should be the reasons we keep it illegal.