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Marijuana usage receives a portmanteau of skeptical reproach and approval from users, medical professionals, state institutions and religious affiliated centers. Striking evidences indicate that legalization of marijuana does not necessarily lead to an escalation in the usage of the drug. Perhaps, it is time that government institutions and law enforcing bodies appreciate that marijuana usage is in existence. This is despite the approval or legalization of the drug. According to Gwynne (2013), approximately 36% of high school students smoke marijuana graduating. This is an indication that the failure to legalize marijuana does not necessarily stop its widespread usage. Another fact is that legalization of marijuana does not have a direct influence on the frequency of usage.

The support for legalization drives its propagation from the lack of extreme physical problems associated with intoxication and withdrawal tendencies. Contrary to other toxicants, including alcohol, cannabis is a benign frivolous drug with modest effects to the user. 573,000 cannabis plants underwent destruction in 2008 following a crackdown (Olivero, 2013). The high plant growth in one state is an indication of an increase in the demand for the drug. While there are possible medicinal effects associated with excess consumption of marijuana, the physical problems are not dissimilar to other legalized drugs like alcohol. For instance, excessive usage of marijuana can lead to addiction and cognitive dulling. The same applies to over consumption of alcohol, which has additional demerits of deteriorated health like liver cirrhosis. Therefore, cannabis ought to be legalized like a recreational drug.

The contemporary perception of cannabis usage tends to associate the practice of smoking with criminals and gangs. However, this is because of the initial position assumed by the government and law enforcers. Medical professionals have an alternative view. Rosenthal and Kubby (2003) argued that cancer patients, under cannabis prescription, show laudable results. The propagation of information by mainstream culture on cannabis remains distorted and biased. Critics seem to focus on the negativity while assuming the possible positive contributors in the usage of marijuana. Bhang has positive effects that do not mirror the effects of other legal drugs. In fact, legalization of marijuana would curb criminal activities involved with peddling of the drug.

It is obvious that the usage of cannabis is widespread in almost every urban center. This is irrespective of government efforts to try and stop the usage of the drug. Optimistic thinking would focus on tax collection increase based on legalization of marijuana. Making cannabis legal would require that vendors acquire licenses of trade. According to Fairchild (2008), making cannabis legal could augment the tax returns by $8.7 billion on an annual basis. This is assuming that there would be minimal alteration in the frequency of usage. However, the tax returns could increase with augmentation in consumption. This would not be problematic as marijuana lacks carcinogen, and hence, it cannot cause lung cancer.

In conclusion, irresponsible behavior does not, necessarily, culminate from usage of cannabis (Gerber, 2004). The current tendencies on juvenile delinquency are not a result of consuming marijuana. This is because marijuana does not lead to the development of ghastly behavior that was not already inherent in a person. Therefore, it is in the best interest, of the public and the government, to legalize marijuana because of its widespread usage. In fact, the lack of carcinogen in marijuana makes it more health sensitive than tobacco. Legalizing marijuana would eliminate criminal associated problems, and improve police relationships with the society. The legalization of marijuana is long overdue.

                                                      References

Fairchild, C. (2013, April 20). Legalizing marijuana would generate billions in additional tax revenue annually. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/20/legalizing-marijuana-tax-revenue_n_3102003.html

Gerber, R. J. (2004). Legalizing marijuana: Drug policy reform and prohibition politics. Connecticut, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group.

Gwynne, K. (2013, June 27). Five reasons cops want to legalize marijuana. Retrieved from http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/five-reasons-cops-want-to-legalize-marijuana-20130627

Olivero, J. M. (2013). The Legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in the United States’ state of Washington and the impact on Mexican cartels. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 3(4), 8-17.

Rosenthal, E., & Kubby, S. (2003). Why marijuana should be legal. New York, NY: Running Press.

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