The Challanges of Marijuana Legalization Essay - 1855 Words

The use of marijuana for medical purposes has stimulated debate for many years. Some people find it beneficial, and believe it is the best way to relieve their chronic pain. There are a growing number of people who think marijuana is safe and think it should be legalized in small quantities for recreational use. Despite its illegality, marijuana has continued to be used by many people. Though some discount it as a harmful substance, there are many others who worry about increased criminal behavior, addiction and other health problems that can arise from its use. But more importantly they are concerned about the message teenagers would get if marijuana was legalized for recreational use. Since marijuana is a natural product many people may†¦show more content†¦As more responsibilities are heaped on teenagers, they are prone to find a way to deal with it, possibly drugs. It does not help that many people in authority, including some of our Presidents, have admitted to using ma rijuana at one time in their life. This acceptance of marijuana coupled with the pressures teens face on a daily basis is one reason that more teens are using marijuana. Because of the widespread use and acceptance of this substance, as well as the passage of several state medical marijuana laws, several research studies were conducted. These studies were analyzing whether new medical marijuana laws were causing an increase in teen use. The data from the research showed there was an increase in teen use over the last four years. One such study even revealed that it had increased in the youngest age group studied, eighth grade students (Anonymous). This increase in teen use is discussed in an article from Target News Reports that states â€Å"one in every fifteen high school seniors today is smoking pot on a daily basis† (Marijuana). These studies show a growing trend in teenage use of marijuana. It also indicates that legalizing marijuana, even for medicinal purposes, may pla y a role in increased teen use.However, there is some conflicting evidence from National Institute on Drug Abuse that demonstrate research over a period of ten years, 2001-2010, indicating that there has not been a