Discuss the issue of legalization of marijuana Essay

Discuss the issue of legalization of marijuana - Essay Example Marijuana has always been a controversial drug, but it has become even more so since individual states have petitioned for its legalization for medical purposes. Though the long-term goal is to legalize the drug for recreational purposes, the short-term goal is to get it approved for medical uses. Some states, such as California, have opened up medical marijuana dispensaries, which allow people with prescriptions to obtain their drugs. They were able to be approved for medical marijuana because they provided proof that it is the only drug that can ease nausea and chronic pain. Doctors, scientists, and government officials alike believe that as long as the drug is being used for its intended purpose, then it should be legalized as a medical drug. Unfortunately, not all patients are using marijuana as directed. Since quite a few patients are able to grow their own medical marijuana, some have abused the system and have sold marijuana to be used as a recreational drug. While marijuana has shown its usefulness in helping some of the sickest patients, they are not helping society by making an illegal and controversial drug more readily available to the public. On the other side of the coin in regard to marijuana is legalization for recreational purposes. Many individuals from a variety of backgrounds have tried to compare marijuana with alcohol and cigarettes, attempting to convince those in power that marijuana is no worse than these other vices. Indeed, people have proven that marijuana is actually the lesser of the three evils (Regan 109). As such, it is believed that as long as marijuana is treated and regulated like alcohol and cigarettes, then there should be no reason for the drug to remain illegal. One of the assumed perks of legalized marijuana for recreational purposes is that drug-related crime will significantly decrease. This is due to the belief that if marijuana is legal, people will not have