Tennessee is one of the many states that has not legalized marijuana. Four states (Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington) and D.C. have legalized the use of both medical and recreational marijuana. There are 19 states that have legalized just medical marijuana. While the majority of the states have not legalized marijuana, I think, slowly but surely, more and more states are starting to hop on the “bandwagon.”
As to be expected, there are both pros and cons of legalizing marijuana. Two of the pros: 1) less reliance on illegal drug trade and 2) there will be an age limit and you must have proof of ID to purchase. No drug dealer from around the block is only going to sell to you if you’re at least 21 years old and have your ID with you. At least the accessibility to younger buyers would be limited; because while I don’t believe the minute you wake up on your 21st Birthday, you’re “ready” to start smoking, too many young people are gaining access to marijuana too easily. Two of the cons: 1) the government would put taxes on your marijuana (good for the government, bad for the marijuana buyer/smoker) and 2) it might be assumed that smoking marijuana is perfectly suitable for anyone as long as they’re of age. Mainly because of there being less reliance on illegal drug trade and taxes that the government would profit from, I don’t think it would be a half bad idea to legalize marijuana.
Just like with any other topic, there will be misunderstandings or misperceptions. Contrary to popular belief.. 1) Marijuana is not addictive for most smokers. 2) Marijuana usually doesn’t MAKE a person lazy and unmotivated. If they’re like that after they smoke, it’s probably because they were like that before they smoked. 3) Occasionally smoking marijuana can actually result in healthier and stronger lungs (vs. a non-smoker)- thanks to the ingredient THC, which contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Marijuana has been around for a long time, and I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon… So if it’s already out here in the world being grown, smoked, sold, etc. (WITH LESS FATALITIES THAN ALCOHOL OR CIGARETTES) why not make it where it’s safer and more beneficial (especially to the government)? I say “especially to the government,” because I believe the amount of money they would get from putting different taxes on marijuana would, overall, be substantially larger than the amount of money they SPEND to send people to jail for smoking. I’m not saying that they are wrong for putting the accused in jail or that doing so is a waste of money. I don’t think either of those.. Don’t you think, though, that it would be a lot more favorable for the government if they used money they got from the taxes on marijuana and use that to put the people who abuse the law and the drug behind bars?
Not only would legalizing marijuana benefit the government.. Medical marijuana can be used to improve the condition of people with all types of “illnesses.” It can be used to treat Glaucoma, improve lung health, help control seizures, and stop cancer from spreading. It may also decrease anxiety and help relieve chronic pain.
Although there are some not-so-good-parts about legalizing marijuana, there are obviously a ton of benefits. These benefits could positively affect so many different people. Legal or illegal, people are going to smoke marijuana. Legal or illegal, marijuana will not be for everybody.