Legalizing Marijuana

Legalizing marijuana is a thought conflict. There are good arguments on both sides of this issue, and it can cause conflicting thoughts. Legalizing marijuana is a benefit because it has the potential to reduce income to drug cartels (though may be minor). It could be taxed and as a result, help balance state budgets that are currently out of control. Finally it would reduce the expenditures on prosecuting and incarcerating criminals associated with distributing and using marijuana.

Continuing prohibition on marijuana is beneficial because it continues to restrict access within homes with children from obtaining the drug. It can prevent escalation crimes associated with being on the drug (merit is debatable). Finally, it prevents the negative health affects on thus the health costs incurred by the community from use of the drug. This final argument is the biggest issue with the legalization of marijuana.

Do the negative health effects of using marijuana add up to substantial health care costs? Their are very few studies that substantiate a figure we can ponder on with any reputable value. One could draw from personal experience. Through personal use of marijuana and seeing the effects on several friends for several years the only adverse side effect I ever saw was memory issues. However, delayed reaction can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Driving while under the influence can cause slow reaction time to red lights that may increase vehicular accidents that could increase health care costs, specifically emergency room costs that are the most expensive.

It is difficult to weight these options fairly because the positives of tax income and free choice over a natural substance are very compelling. However, children with easier access to the drug will abuse the substance and the potential to increase health care costs and add to budget problems is a very real concern. I will still say that legalization is the better option simply because medical marijuana already exists, and the ability to get it is obscenely easy. What do you think?