The Positive and Negative Impacts of the Legalization of...

The Positive and Negative Impacts of the Legalization of Marijuana Levi Welshans Composition Professor Prince June 6, 2012 Introduction Marijuana has been the source of much debate in recent years. Many believe that this plant is special, and that this plant is less damaging than alcohol or tobacco. Some individuals believe it offers more than just physical and mental relief. They believe that it has the power to heal diseases. In the medical field, many have questioned where this evidence is. There have been studies of marijuana for decades. Most doctors would tell the general public that without a doubt this drug, like others, will have adverse effects in dealing with disease or pain management. For those who suffer with†¦show more content†¦Many advocates for the legalization of marijuana consider alcohol to more detrimental for society than the effects of recreationally using marijuana. While alcohol does not necessarily have a great track record, many laws have been put into place to help curb any negative impacts for the average American. Alcohol is used around the world in almost every culture . This does not justify its use for the public. It does show that there are more people around the world who see alcohol as less of a threat than marijuana, and people have accepted alcohol as a social normality. Alcohol has been studied in many ways. Some studies suggest that minor consumption can help avoid heart disease, type 2 diabetes and assist in digestive health (Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits, 2012). Alcohol does have considerable negative impacts on society in general. â€Å"The federal government estimates that 8.9 percent of full-time workers (12.7 million people) have drinking problems. Alcohol costs American business an estimated $134 billion in productivity losses, mostly due to missed work; 65.3 percent of this cost was caused by alcohol-related illness, 27.2 percent due to premature death, and 7.5 percent to crime†(Impact of Alcoholism, April, 2011). If America were to legalize marijuana then the social impacts would be costly, and it would add to the already significant damage that is done by alcohol and tobacco. With so much emphasis put on saving lives from the useShow MoreRelatedThe Legalization Of Marijuan A Positive And Negative Effects On American Society849 Words   |  4 PagesThe legalization of marijuana can have many positive and negative effects on American society. State budgets are constantly looking for new avenues of revenue and ways to create new industry. The legal system in place is exhausted and unable to sustain the current rate of incarceration and enforcement. 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