The Legalization of Marijuana
The legalization of marijuana is a topic that is hotly contested in the United States. Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is a drug that has hundreds of compounds among them tetrahydrocannabinol, which many consume for its intoxicating effects. Apart from the intoxicating compounds cannabis also has other medicinal compounds that the world of medicine has acquired light into and have started to utilize (Fitzcharles, Hazel, Taylor, " Tucker, 2016). There are those who think that the legalization of marijuana would create many social problems whereas there are those that are of the opinion that legalizing marijuana would bring many benefits. This debate has raged on for a long time as there has not been any consensus on the matter. However, marijuana should be legalized since it has medicinal advantages and can generate revenue for the government.
Medicinal and Recreational Properties
The first reason why marijuana should be legalized is in regard to its medicinal and recreational properties. Many people use marijuana as it helps them relax and drift away from everyday realities that are sometimes difficult. Its recreational purposes enable many individuals to utilize it as a form of recreation, which is a freedom that the government should not deny. Additionally, research has proved that marijuana has many medicinal purposes. For instance, cannabinoid oil can help in controlling seizures, as well as relieving stress and anxiety (Hajizadeh, 2016). Additionally, medicinal marijuana is used in reducing nausea for cancer and aids patients, as well as stimulating the appetite for these individuals who have poor eating habits because of various diseases.
Increase in State Tax Revenue
Another reason why marijuana should be legalized is that it will help increase state tax revenue. Even though it is outlawed, many people consume marijuana without any tax whatsoever. The government should thus strive to bring it out of the shadows creating an avenue of acquiring tax revenue. By legalizing marijuana, the government can effectively monitor it as well as input tax on it, which will increase revenue. Estimates made depict that legalizing marijuana will earn the government an additional $18 billion every year in form of tax as well as sales. Prohibiting the drug has failed to stop people from using the drug and has only made them seek to rebel in the shadows. By legalizing, the state will acquire additional revenue that can be injected into the economy for various development projects.
Sustainable Crop and Job Creation
Moreover, the hemp plant which produces marijuana is a sustainable crop that is very resourceful (Leyton, 2016). Many products are made from this plant, which signifies that it should not just be banned and not utilized in any way. Furthermore, this plant can be grown almost in any environment and it also matures fast. It thus presents an opportunity for the government to cultivate the plant and utilize its various purposes to earn additional revenue. The government can set up cannabis farms where growing and harvesting cannabis can become a profession, thus increasing the number of jobs and countering unemployment.
Conclusion
Conclusively, marijuana has many benefits that should be considered so that it can be legalized. As illustrated in the paper, what marijuana has to offer in regard to the benefits of the plant and all the products it can provide make it a resourceful plant that should not be banned but cultivated and utilized. Further research should also be carried out into the properties of the plant to determine what other additional benefits it can provide.
References
Fitzcharles, M. A., Hazel, E. M., Taylor, G., " Tucker, L. B. (2016). Pain Management for the Young Adult Rheumatology Patient in an Era of Medicinal Marijuana Legalization.
Hajizadeh, M. (2016). Legalizing and regulating marijuana in Canada: review of potential economic, social, and health impacts. International journal of health policy and management, 5(8), 453.
Leyton, M. (2016). Legalizing marijuana. Journal of psychiatry " neuroscience: JPN, 41(2), 75.
