Marijuana_Legalization

Ethics 9 June 16, 2010 Marijuana legalization Marijuana legalization is a big topic in the United States. Marijuana is a gateway drug that can lead to use of cocaine and other harder drugs. Before the twentieth century, American citizens held the responsibility for their drug-using behavior. Since 1914, however, that responsibility has been transferred to the state. Although some supporters of the legalization of marijuana argue that the use of marijuana can be medically beneficial, the government believes that legalizing marijuana could cause series damage to teenagers. Epicurus’ happiness theory stats to do whatever makes us happy. Is it ethical for the United States to legalize marijuana, or should it be prohibited in all states' In a country dedicated to freedom, the decision to use drugs should belong to the individuals. Marijuana is effective at relieving pain, controlling nausea, and stimulating the appetite, and is successfully used to treat a large number of medical problems, including asthma, AIDS, depression, and glaucoma. Marinol, a synthetic formulation of THC—the chemical in marijuana that is responsible for many of its soothing effects—is not nearly as effective as natural marijuana. The second important reason that marijuana should be legal is that it would save our government lots of money. In the United States, all levels of government (federal, state, and local authorities) participate in the "War on Drugs." We currently spend billions of dollars every year to chase peaceful people who happen to like to get high. These people get locked up in prison and the taxpayers have to foot the bill. We have to pay for food, housing, health care, attorney fees, court costs, and other expenses to lock these people up. Health risks of marijuana are far less than that of cigarettes and alcohol. There is no conclusive evidence stating that marijuana is chemically addictive, it is impossible to overdose on marijuana because it has a negligible therapeutic ratio; you don't have to use much to get the desired effect. Around 50,000 people die every year from alcohol poisoning, and over 400,000 people die from tobacco attributed causes. No one has ever died from the use of marijuana. Just like Plato said “do whatever give you pleasure. The notion of legalizing marijuana as medicine is a tactic used by marijuana advocates to make marijuana and other drugs widely and legally available. Although no research proves smoking marijuana has any therapeutic value, evidence has revealed the dangers of marijuana use. Not only does marijuana contain carcinogens, impair memory, and lead to use of other drugs, the cost of marijuana's use in the workplace and on the roadways has been substantial. Marijuana legalization could cause people to overdose on the drug. Lastly one shouldn’t smoke marijuana because it could mess your life up mentally and it could cause you to try stronger drugs. Plato says “Ignorance is the enemy of the good no one would willingly do wrong.” I think that Marijuana should be legal. After researching this topic it made me realize that although many people say that marijuana is bad, it is not as bad a smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol. Smoking and drinking are one of the top ten deaths in the world, and marijuana rarely ever kills anyone. Marijuana should be legal.