Posted: September 7th, 2024

Positive and Negative Impacts of Legalizing Marijuana Research Paper

Positive and Negative Impacts of Legalizing Marijuana Research Paper.

As more states legalize marijuana and others try to emulate them, there is the ever-rising debate of its impacts on both society and the economy. With changing perceptions, marijuana has become a central issue in policy discussions. This paper analyses both sides of the discussion and the positive and negative effects claimed to be associated with marijuana. The aim is to provide a balanced view by considering multiple aspects. It is only reasonable to consider the bad and good before repealing a law. Legal decisions should be made with a complete understanding of the broader implications. Some of the areas focused on are the economy, society, and health department by the legalization of the drug. Each of these areas brings distinct concerns and opportunities. Are the claims about improving the economy true? This question is particularly relevant in regions facing economic hardship. And how is the community affected by the legalization of marijuana? The societal effects often reflect deeper cultural and moral values. To some extent, social impacts may recoil to the economy and cause the nation to suffer. These intertwined effects require careful examination to avoid unforeseen consequences. The health of individuals who use marijuana is also analyzed alongside its contributions to the medical industry. Healthcare systems and public health initiatives may also face new challenges. Through a qualitative methodology of relevant sources, all these questions are answered thoroughly in the paper. The qualitative approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

The debate about legalizing marijuana – or popularly known as weed or cannabis – has been longstanding as countries try to weigh the pros and cons of the drug. Cannabis has long been subject to both scientific inquiry and cultural discourse. Cannabis is a neuro-stimulating drug that alters the way the mind functions. Its effects on cognition have been the subject of numerous studies. And while some individuals claim that the drug is harmless and less addictive, some medical practitioners have come out with theories that prove otherwise. Medical professionals emphasize the need for continued research on long-term effects. While these theories may lay on the table the negative impacts of the drug, some economic analysts claim that the naturally grown drug could provide jobs for many alongside producing byproducts that are beneficial to society. This economic benefit could lead to new industries emerging in the cannabis sector. Before legalizing an already banned substance, it is reasonable to consider the positive and negative impacts that cannot be overlooked. Failing to consider both sides could lead to unintended consequences. This paper investigates the issue of legalizing marijuana through a critical analytical lens to understand the possible negative and positive impacts individuals and society alike may encounter. The analysis will provide deeper insights for policymakers.

LITERATURE REVIEW

When looking at the positive impacts, there are those who view marijuana legalization as a means to change international treaties. These treaties govern the use of controlled substances across multiple nations. According to an article written by Wells Bennet and John Walsh (2014), they claim that the United States is already involved in three global treaties that criminalize marijuana activities. These treaties restrict marijuana production, distribution, and consumption internationally. While the US may face negative impacts such as prosecutions since more states are legalizing marijuana, the step may turn into a positive venture of amending the treaties. Amending these treaties could lead to more flexibility in national drug policies. International law would experience changes that would allow the conditional legalization of marijuana and expand the beneficial reach of marijuana. The shift in legal frameworks could have ripple effects on international markets. Another positive impact of legalization is the regulation of the drug, according to Caulkins et al. (2015). Regulation could help mitigate some of the harms associated with uncontrolled usage. Unlike in prohibited scenarios where weed has to be sold through the black market, legalization will ensure that sales and consumption of the drug are monitored. This supervision could reduce the risks of contamination or unsafe practices. Marijuana users in states that have banned the drug have to use under zero supervision and without professional advice. This lack of oversight can lead to unsafe consumption patterns. This may lead to adverse outcomes since there is no strategy on the distribution of the drug beyond the buying and selling aspect. Establishing clear regulations could also provide education on safe usage. There may be vast literature talking about the consequences of marijuana, but there is no certainty that marijuana is the cause of the consequences. The complexity of marijuana’s effects requires further in-depth studies.

Since Washington and Colorado legalized marijuana, other states have tried to follow suit to improve their economy, but the impacts are more likely negative. This trend indicates a growing interest in the potential economic benefits of legalization. According to Evans (2013), the impact on the economy may be both positive and negative. Economic benefits could come from taxation and job creation. First of all, most individuals overlook the actual spending required to move from the current policy and legalize the drug. There are many hidden costs associated with policy changes. Whenever a law is changed, there are necessary costs to repeal, implement, and enforce. These legal changes may require restructuring within enforcement agencies. This will require a significant amount of economic costs being channeled to attorneys, court proceedings, and drug experts. Such costs can strain state budgets already facing deficits. Recreational use of marijuana may be hazardous to public health, according to Lake and Kerr (2017). Public health impacts should be factored into the broader discussion of legalization. They claim that the use of cannabis from a young age may cause mental health and cognitive disorders in specific individuals. Young users are particularly vulnerable to developing long-term health issues. Even though the debate on negative health issues is highly debated, there are researchers that conclude marijuana harms the brain. The medical consensus remains divided on the extent of marijuana’s health effects. Physicians also discourage frequent use of marijuana as it could cause respiratory health issues. Smoking marijuana can lead to similar respiratory problems as tobacco use. There is an increased probability of contracting chronic bronchitis, wheezing, or chronic coughs. This could lead to a rise in healthcare costs related to respiratory diseases. People with respiratory illnesses also risk making their conditions worse. This could be especially problematic for individuals with asthma or other pre-existing conditions.

Although there are individuals who may oppose the recreational use of the drug, there are those who support its medicinal values. This division in opinion highlights the complexity of the legalization debate. According to Lin et al. (2015), medicinal marijuana may be used as a form of therapy, but the level of efficiency varies depending on the type of illness. Not all conditions respond equally to cannabis treatments. Illnesses such as seizures are controllable under an administered dose of cannabis. This has led to increased interest in cannabis for neurological conditions. Some hospitals give epilepsy patients Cannabidiol to specific groups of people with epilepsy. The use of cannabis-based treatments has grown in popularity among certain patient groups. Epidiolex is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 2018 to aid patients with epilepsy. This approval represents a significant step in the medicinal use of marijuana. Cancer patients are another group of patients who may reap the benefits of marijuana if it is legalized. These patients may use cannabis to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy. The use of marijuana is known to aid with nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy. These side effects can be debilitating and reduce a patient’s quality of life. These patients may also improve their eating habits as the drug is known to alleviate food appetite. Improved appetite can be critical in maintaining nutrition during cancer treatment.

METHODOLOGY

Qualitative Approach
The best strategy to tackle the methodology for this research will be conducting a qualitative approach since the aim of this research is to gain an in-depth view of the potential impact of legalizing marijuana. Qualitative research methods are ideal for exploring complex social issues. The qualitative methods will involve document reviews on the concerned topic since there is adequate research conducted on the study. Document reviews provide a comprehensive source of existing knowledge. The existing data provided in the literature review will suffice the required information. This data can then be synthesized to identify patterns and themes.

Document Reviews
The data from the sources is beneficial as it is readily available and can be used for comparison with each other. This makes document reviews an efficient way to collect information. The only drawback is that the data is already defined and rigid, unlike other data collection methods such as interviews that are more flexible. This limitation can make it challenging to capture emerging trends or new information. The sources are appropriate as they solely focus on the impacts of legalizing marijuana and evaluate the benefits and risks in an in-depth manner. This focus aligns with the research aims, providing relevant insights. The diversity of the sources is also another factor that makes the sources appropriate as they all consider different fields in case marijuana is legalized. Such diversity ensures that the research findings will be well-rounded and applicable across various domains.

RESULTS

Through treaty changes, other countries or states would be able to experience the economic and health benefits of the drugs. This could lead to a reevaluation of international drug policies.
The regulation of marijuana will make it easier to minimize the correlation of marijuana toward some results since distribution can be monitored and implemented under a preferable criterion considering options such as age, prescription, or frequency. A regulated system could also reduce the potential for abuse.
Repealing the existent laws will mean that states will have to eventually channel more funds to support establishments dealing with an increase in dependency and drug use cases. This financial burden could outweigh the revenue generated from marijuana sales.
Marijuana users are said to have lower intelligence, and most of them lie across a low socio-economic status. This demographic data may reflect broader systemic inequalities. Individuals who abuse the drug regularly experience short attention spans, lower reaction rates, and are more likely to cause accidents if they are operating machinery. These risks could have far-reaching consequences in workplaces and public spaces.
It is difficult to promise that cannabis may treat illnesses, but it does help ailing people cope with their situation. More rigorous research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential.
DISCUSSION

It is true that the alignment of the national strategies to the international treaties would allow for further commitment to the legalization of marijuana. Such alignment could streamline the process of legalization across multiple jurisdictions. It will also mean that more individuals globally will be able to access the drug. This increased access must be carefully managed to prevent misuse. Sadly, marijuana is said to be leeway to other drugs, and its availability may slow down the process of drug users in recovery programs. This gateway theory is controversial but cannot be ignored. Even though some economists may claim legalization may boost trade, there are internal effects that may make the economy stagnate. The short-term benefits may be overshadowed by long-term social costs. Considering the health and economic impacts, the negative impacts outweigh the positives. This conclusion calls for a cautious approach to legalization.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the debate on marijuana depends on the impacts offered by the drug if it is legalized. This issue requires a multi-faceted approach to fully grasp its complexities. It is a debate that needs lawmakers to consider both sides of the coin. Both societal and economic consequences must be weighed equally. It seems to be a profitable yet destructive venture if all the facts are analyzed. While profits may be appealing, the societal costs could be significant. While some may need the drug legalized to improve their economic gains, there is also the need to consider the state. The wellbeing of the state as a whole must remain a priority. While patients may need the medication to cope with treatment side effects, recovering addicts may spiral due to its availability. A well-structured regulatory framework could help balance these competing interests. Legalizing marijuana is a matter that requires proper preparation and regulation if the law is ever repealed. Such preparations must take into account all possible outcomes. Not only should the economy receive consideration, but society as well. The impact on communities is perhaps the most important factor. Scholars are busy debating the topic alongside lawmakers to understand the magnitude of the drug. This ongoing research will help shape future policies. While most of the health facts are highly debatable, the impacts of drug abuse toward the community are real and threatening if not controlled. A carefully managed legalization process may help mitigate these threats.

References
Bennett, W., & Walsh, J. (2014). Marijuana legalization is an opportunity to modernize international drug treaties. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution.
Caulkins, J. P., Kilmer, B., Kleiman, M. A., MacCoun, R. J., Midgette, G., Oglesby, P., & Reuter, P. H. (2015). Options and issues regarding marijuana legalization. Rand Corporation.
Evans, D. G. (2013). The economic impacts of marijuana legalization. The Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice, 7(4), 2-40.
Farrelly, K. N., Wardell, J. D., Marsden, E., Scarfe, M. L., Najdzionek, P., Turna, J., & MacKillop, J. (2023). The impact of recreational cannabis legalization on cannabis use and associated outcomes: a systematic review. Substance abuse: research and treatment, 17, 11782218231172054.
Rochette, M., Valiquette, M., Barned, C., & Racine, E. (2023). Drug legalization, Democracy and Public Health: canadian stakeholders’ Opinions and Values with Respect to the legalization of cannabis. Public Health Ethics, 16(2), 175-190.
Lake, S., & Kerr, T. (2017). The challenges of projecting the public health impacts of marijuana legalization in Canada: comment on” Legalizing and regulating marijuana in Canada: Review of potential economic, social, and health impacts”. International journal of health policy and management, 6(5), 285.
Lin, T. Y., Chapman, S., Hartsig, S. M., & Smith, S. L. (2015). Potential health effects of legalizing medical marijuana in Kansas: Kansas health impact assessment project. Kansas Health Institute.
Manthey, J., Hayer, T., Jacobsen, B., Kalke, J., Klinger, S., Rehm, J., … & Zobel, F. (2023). Effects of legalizing cannabis. Bundesministerium für Gesundheit.

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Tags: Economic Analysis, Health Risks, Marijuana Legalization, Policy Debate, Societal Impact