Cannabis should be legalized

Research defines the following as significant side effects to the consumption of Cannabis. - Many smokers feel the burden of respiratory problems experienced by tobacco smokers, such as daily coughs and phlegm over-production, an increased risk of lung infections as well as increased acute chest pain. Like tobacco, it contains carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals), thus smokers are at similar risks of lung cancer as typical smokers, as well as lung diseases like tuberculosis. This contradicts your second point - "It may help reverse the carcinogenic effects of tobacco and improve lung health." As well as weakening the point of - "A chemical found in marijuana stops cancer from spreading." Although your point may be true, Cannabis still contains chemicals that can cause cancer. This could make existing cancers worse, or treat them with the heightened risk of developing another cancer. Take that as you will. - For up to 3 hours, consumption can lead to an increase of 20-100 percent in the user"s heart rate. This puts them at an increased risk of a heart attack shortly after beginning to smoke, increasing the risk of an attack by about 5 times. Naturally, for those with existing heart problems, this risk can be even higher. - Chronic (prolonged) usage of Marijuana has been shown by a number of studies to the development of mental illnesses. Furthermore, high doses of Marijuana can induce psychotic episodes in users. (I know a friend of the family whom this happened to, he"ll now probably spend the rest/majority of his life in a mental institution suffering from schizophrenia.) - The use of Marijuana seriously impairs motor coordination and the judgement of an individual, which can heighten aggression irrational behaviour, as well as making them a danger behind the wheels of a vehicle. Several studies display a conclusion of a "stoned" user being at more than twice the risk of a car accident whilst driving. With the combination of alcohol consumption, the risk is further increased beyond what Marijuana or alcohol could achieve individually. - Despite popular belief, Marijuana is an addictive substance, with daily users at a 25-50% chance of addiction. - Marijuana usage makes some people feel confused, anxious or paranoid, and some experience panic attacks and hallucinations. These effects are particularly common with stronger forms of cannabis - Long term Marijuana use is shown to generally lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, and thus lower academic achievement compared to non-users. It"s shown to heighten existing mental issues, commonly depression and behavioural problems. - As with other addictive drugs such as cocaine and heroin, you can develop a tolerance to it. This means you have to have more and more to get the same effects. If you stop taking it, you can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as cravings, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, irritability and restlessness. Therefore long term users generally have to smoke more to gain the same satisfaction from it, heightening the risks already stated in this document. References: As well as my own general knowledge and experiences, I've included statistics and specific information from the following sites: http://www.nhs.uk... http://www.drugabuse.gov... http://www.talktofrank.com...