Introduction
The legalization of marijuana has always been a subject of controversy; however, currently, there is a trend towards its legalization in many states, not only for medical purposes, but also for recreational use. From a legal and social point of view, legalization has both positive and negative effects. Public attitudes towards marijuana are gradually changing as the number of countries and states where marijuana legalization becomes legal increases.
Thesis Statement: The adopted law allowing the recreational use of marijuana contributes to the development of society, allowing the government to fight the black market, reduce crime and discrimination, and ensure economic growth.
The Background of the Issue
The fight against drug trafficking and addiction in the world is conducted in different ways. States are gradually moving from strict control measures to softer ones in the US. Cannabis is currently approved for medical use in 36 states as well as for recreational use in 14 states(Mahurin et al. 3).
Marijuana is currently legal in New Mexico for medical and recreational use. The Cannabis Regulation Law was passed on March 31, 2021, and enacted on April 1, 2022 (MPP). However, there are still restrictions regarding the use and cultivation of marijuana. The legal limit for adult consumption is two ounces of cannabis or its equivalent (MPP).
Cannabis can now be grown at home; however, the established limit sets a maximum of 12 mature plants per household (MPP). Smoking cannabis in public is punishable by a $50 fine (MPP). Possession of more than two ounces carries up to a year in jail; possession of large quantities is a felony (MPP). It is still illegal to drive in an altered state after using marijuana.
To regulate the circulation of marijuana, the state introduces an excise tax on cannabis. It starts at 12% until July 1, 2025, then increases by one percentage point per year, peaking at 18% on July 1, 2030 (MPP). One third of the cannabis tax revenue will go to the municipality where the sales were made, and another third of the cannabis excise revenue will go to the county where the sales were made (MPP). Thus, the state receives a significant benefit from reducing marijuana trafficking.
The Positive Effects
The legalization of marijuana can significantly boost the economy. When the state controls the circulation of marijuana, the resulting taxes can go to the development of the region. The positive economic effect of legalization will grow yearly due to reduced public stigmatization.
The legalization of marijuana allows the state to control the activities of black markets and street criminal groups. Legal domestic marijuana production reduces illegal imports from neighboring countries. The black market will gradually be replaced by the legal one, and the resulting taxes will be sent to further societal development. Thus, legalization has a positive economic effect and contributes to public safety.
One of the major concerns for opponents of marijuana legalization is the risks of increased consumption. However, legalization may, on the contrary, reduce the amount of use among teenagers (Hall and Lynskey 180). Young people will realize that they can legally use marijuana after 21, and this will reduce their cravings. This is another contribution to the security of the entire society.
Reducing the punishment for possession of marijuana in large quantities and decriminalizing use leads to a decrease in crime. Legal regulation of marijuana will protect consumers from substandard products. The government can provide testing and ensure that the final product is toxin-free.
The legalization of marijuana is a step towards reducing stigma and discrimination. In the past, in dealing with legal issues for the use and sale of marijuana, African Americans were much more likely to be arrested. However, consumption levels between the population are approximately the same(Firth et al. 1583).
The legalization of marijuana will reduce these inequalities and build the path to a more just society. Public stigma can affect the lives of people who use marijuana. Possession and consumption are still heavily stigmatized, and people may be discriminated against. The legalization of marijuana will not only reduce discrimination but also allow people who are addicted to drugs to receive full-fledged medical care.
Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco, which millions of Americans depend on. Marijuana is used for medical purposes, such as reducing anxiety, while alcohol can cause hyperarousal. The legalization of marijuana will reduce the levels of alcohol sales, which will lead to an even greater reduction in crime. Switching from drinking alcohol to using cannabis will reduce alcohol-related crimes such as domestic violence and assault.
Another contribution to the reduction of crime will be the release of an extensive police resource that was previously used to control anti-marijuana policy. Government spending on offenders’ capture, arrest, and maintenance will also be reduced. Instead of arresting people for marijuana, the police officers can focus on other crimes.
The legalization of marijuana will create new jobs, which will help the state fight unemployment. People will be able to be involved in the cultivation, quality control, and sale of marijuana. Medical centers will be able to hire more workers to service programs that use medical marijuana. Finally, society predominantly supports the legalization of marijuana(Resko et al. 1247). To meet the public demand, the use of marijuana must remain legal.
The Negative Impacts
In addition to the positive aspects of the issue, opponents of the legalization of marijuana make reasonable arguments regarding the adverse effects of this legal and social process. Marijuana legalization can create enormous costs for taxpayers: in addition to the relatively high cost, marijuana users may be more likely to have to go to hospitals. An increase in driving after using marijuana can lead to an increase in the number of crashes.
The rising death rate from marijuana-related road traffic accidents carries additional costs. The number of accidents, where the driver used marijuana, increased by more than 60% in Colorado after legalization (Windle et al. 1037). The legalization of marijuana will add another substance that costs the state too much.
Marijuana is a danger to public health, so legalization cannot be positive. Such substances pose a danger to young people, whose psyches are still insufficiently stable. Marijuana is addictive, and with legalization, the number of people with an addiction will only increase. People who choose to stop using marijuana may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Legalization can also harm mental health: cannabis use may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, depression, and other mental disorders (Gali et al. 2). Moreover, passive marijuana smoking can also pose a risk to the lungs. The legalization of marijuana leads to conflict with the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and can discredit policies aimed at improving public health.
Discussion
Both supporters and opponents of marijuana legalization present strong arguments for their position. However, in New Mexico, marijuana has already been legalized for recreational and medical use, so it is necessary to exaggerate the positive effects and reduce the negative aspects of this phenomenon. The most significant adverse effect from which discrimination and prejudice can arise is the stigmatization of marijuana users.
Suppose this phenomenon is reduced by educating citizens about the benefits of legalization. In that case, marijuana users will be able to feel more comfortable in society and feel free to seek medical help. The alarming growing number of marijuana users can be controlled by educating the public, with particular attention to adolescents. By using marijuana taxes to help people with addiction and improve public health, this reform will have more supporters. The state needs to continue to develop a marijuana policy that will be based on public opinion and statistical data.
Conclusion
The legalization of marijuana at the moment seems to be the way many countries are going. In the US, this trend is increasing every year as more and more states tend to ease their marijuana policy. Such a policy will inevitably cause supporters and opponents to oppose this phenomenon.
Among the main advantages of legalization are the opportunities for economic growth, public safety, and the fight against the black market. Key concerns include a potential rise in marijuana use and negative public health implications. Since the law has already been passed and is in effect in New Mexico, the authorities need to take additional measures to protect the population, control consumption, and reduce the negative impact on the economy and the health of citizens.
Works Cited
Firth, Caislin L., et al. “Did marijuana legalization in Washington State reduce racial disparities in adult marijuana arrests?” Substance use & misuse, vol. 54, no. 9, 2019, pp. 1582-1587.
Gali, Kathleen, et al. “Changes in cannabis use, exposure, and health perceptions following legalization of adult recreational cannabis use in California: a prospective observational study.” Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, vol. 16, no. 1, 2021, pp. 1-10.
Hall, Wayne, and Michael Lynskey. “Assessing the public health impacts of legalizing recreational cannabis use: the US experience.” World Psychiatry, vol. 19, no. 2, 2020, pp. 179-186.
Mahurin, Heather M., et al. “Cannabis use among patients with cutaneous lymphoma: AÂ cross-sectional survey.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine, vol. 67, no. 1, 2022, pp. 1-7.
Marijuana Policy Project (April 01, 2022). “Adult-use cannabis sales launch April 1, 2022“. MPP.Â
Resko, Stella, et al. “Understanding public attitudes toward cannabis legalization: qualitative findings from a statewide survey.” Substance use & misuse, vol 54, no. 8, 2019, pp. 1247-1259.
Windle, Sarah B., et al. “The impact of cannabis decriminalization and legalization on road safety outcomes: a systematic review.” American journal of preventive medicine, vol. 63, no. 6, 2022, pp. 1037-1052.