Why Weed Should Be Criminalized: The Negative Impacts of Marijuana

Marijuana is a drug that has been around for centuries. It is made from the dried flowers of the cannabis plant, and it can be smoked, eaten, or brewed as tea. Marijuana has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years, but it has also become popular for recreational use in recent years. The debate over whether marijuana should be legalized continues to rage on, but many negative impacts of marijuana deserve consideration.

1) Underage marijuana use

A recent study showed that the use of marijuana among teenagers is on the rise. Many teens look at marijuana as a safe alternative to alcohol because it does not have the same adverse effects that alcohol does. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Marijuana makes people feel happy and relaxed, and it causes them to laugh more, but it also affects motor skills and judgment in a way that can make driving dangerous. Marijuana also interferes with short-term memory, so users can have trouble remembering what they did while high.

2) Increased road accidents and deaths

Marijuana use not only alters someone’s motor skills but also changes people’s reaction time. When people use marijuana, their reaction times are slowed, so they may not notice when a car is coming. When they do notice the car, they may not react fast enough to avoid an accident. Marijuana also makes it harder for users to judge distance and speed when they are on the road, increasing the chance of a crash.

3) Marijuana is highly addictive

It is estimated that 30% of marijuana users will become addicted to the drug. Marijuana use also interferes with short-term memory, so heavy users may have trouble carrying out everyday tasks. Some marijuana users will find it hard to stop using the drug, especially after becoming dependent on it.

4) Other health effects of marijuana

Marijuana use has now been linked to respiratory illnesses, such as emphysema and bronchitis. There is also some evidence that marijuana use can potentially lead to lung cancer. Marijuana users can also experience anxiety attacks and psychotic episodes leading to contemplation of suicide. These are just some of the adverse health effects of marijuana.

5) Rise in organized crime and black market supply chains

Many people believe that the mafia’s involvement with marijuana is just a myth, but in fact, the mafia has long had an interest in marijuana. Marijuana is a high-profit drug for them, and they charge much higher prices than they do for other drugs. Organized crime and drug cartels are using technology to help them get around our current laws against marijuana, so there is no way to stop their supply chains from reaching American borders.