Bobby Lindsey, a student in Texas Government at Austin Community College, has written an article regarding the legalization of marijuana, which would allow for the sell and use of the product “hemp”, within the United States. After thoroughly evaluating his argument, it is clear that he does have a reasonable point. Marijuana legalization would allow for an additional product to be sold in the U.S., which would help improve our economy. In addition, it would also enable us to use this product to replace other, more expensive, products.
However, although he does explain this positive attribute of marijuana or hemp legalization, he fails to include the various aspects within our society which legalization would negatively effect. First, there are many harmful short and long term effects of marijuana use such as memory loss, harm to the heart and lungs, lack of quick reflexes, etc. In legalizing marijuana it is reasonable to conclude that more people would begin to use it, thus causing harm to themselves and others around them.
Secondly, marijuana is known as a “gateway drug”, meaning that its use leads to the use of other more severe and dangerous drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Research has shown that many people who use marijuana are more likely to try other drugs. Many users once they have achieved a “high feeling” from marijuana want to then receive that feeling again and would be more willing to try various other drugs to attain this. Additionally, many who use marijuana feel comfortable around drug use and would be more accepting of the use of harsher drugs among the people around them.
Thus, Bobby Lindsey does inform the readers in his article “The Money Plant” of the possible revenue boost from legalizing marijuana. However, he fails to fully inform the readers of the possible harmful effects to our society and the people within it resulting from legalizing marijuana. Hence, it is difficult to take this stance completely seriously given the missing information.
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