In the United States, Marijana Should be Legalized

Thank you for posting your next argument. You have failed to understand the examples I gave. In no way was I saying that Marijuana legalization would lead to the legalization of other drugs. What I was saying is that we can not legalize something just because it would bring more money in. You said, "You say that people would continue to go the illegal route, but why?" I thought I was very clear on why. Because No taxes, and increased profit. Please read over my argument again if you did not fully understand this. You have decided to use the absurd claim that there have been no deaths from Marijuana use. I read your link, and it really said Marijuana alone has not been shown to cause an overdose death. We are not talking about overdoses. It is almost as if you completely ignored my argument. I listed reasons for deaths such as car accidents, and heart attacks. Your own source even says that doctors have examined dead people with Marijuana in the bodies. It is true that one can not overdose on Marijuana, but it is not true that people have not died from it. I encourage you to read your whole source in the future. All the studies you listed say that they "can" or "might" do something. No where are they saying that it will. Again, look at my examples. You also said, "You stated the short term effects of marijuana, and yes there are some but the long term affects are less serious than either tobacco or alcohol" First of all I have not listed the long term affects. Secondly, you say that the long term affects are not as bad as tobacco or alcohol, but have not compared the short term affects to tobacco or alcohol. Tobacco does not cause distorted perception. You claim, "Reduced crime, increased savings and reduction in alcohol consumption CAN all be obtained from the legalization of marijuana" Again, there is the word can, not will. Methamphetamine CAN do the same though it should not be legal. You also claim that marijuana CAN actually reduce the chance of SOME forms of cancer. The source that you use even admits that their studies still need to be tested. Therefore you can not say that it does reduce the chance of some forms of cancer. In reality, Marijuana smoke contains some of the same ingredients in tobacco smoke that causes emphysema and cancer. Now that I have responded to your claims I will continue to list reasons why it should not be legalized. Most people who are killed in car crashes have been found with alcohol. But do you know what else they are usually found with? Marijuana. Marijuana and alcohol are a deadly mix. If it is legalized then people would bring both alcohol and Marijuana to parties, just like people bring cigarettes and alcohol. This would not be good at all for obvious reasons. A long term affect of Marijuana is called Burnout, a term first used by marijuana smokers themselves to describe the effect of prolonged use. People who smoke marijuana can become dull, inattentive and slow moving. It is obvious why this is not good. If there's an emergency, people who are high have a less chance of surviving. You have failed to answer my question about high school students. I asked you if you believe it should also be legal for high school students to get it too. In a debate you must be fair and answer your opponent's questions. You can not simply pick and chose what you wish to argue. Another thing to consider is that Marijuana would cost the government money in health care. Since there is no doubt that Marijuana will harm people, there is no doubt more people will go to the doctor due to health problems. Research studies propose that the use of marijuana during pregnancy may result in premature babies and in low birth weights. Studies of women and men have a temporary loss of fertility. These findings suggest that the drug may be especially damaging throughout adolescence, a stage of rapid physical and sexual growth. You have one more round left, I encourage you to make an argument on why it should be legalized instead of just trying to refute me. Also, please answer my question. Audience, there is still one more round left, but I heavily urge a Con vote. It is obvious that there are health risks, something that the United States does not need or want. I have another strong point, probably my strongest, but that I will save for my last argument. I thank my opponent and again look forward to his response. Sources: (1). http://www.quit4good.com... (2). http://www.nida.nih.gov... (3). http://dictionary.reference.com...