Marijuana Legalization

Ethics 9

June 16, 2010
Marijuana legalization
Marijuana legalization is a big topic in the United States.   Marijuana is a gateway drug that can lead to use of cocaine and other harder drugs.   Before the twentieth century, American citizens held the responsibility for their drug-using behavior. Since 1914, however, that responsibility has been transferred to the state. Although some supporters of the legalization of marijuana argue that the use of marijuana can be medically beneficial, the government believes that legalizing marijuana could cause series damage to teenagers.   Epicurus’ happiness theory stats to do whatever makes us happy.   Is it ethical for the United States to legalize marijuana, or should it be prohibited in all states?
In a country dedicated to freedom, the decision to use drugs should belong to the individuals.   Marijuana is effective at relieving pain, controlling nausea, and stimulating the appetite, and is successfully used to treat a large number of medical problems, including asthma, AIDS, depression, and glaucoma. Marinol, a synthetic formulation of THC—the chemical in marijuana that is responsible for many of its soothing effects—is not nearly as effective as natural marijuana.   The second important reason that marijuana should be legal is that it would save our government lots of money. In the United States, all levels of government (federal, state, and local authorities) participate in the "War on Drugs." We currently spend billions of dollars every year to chase peaceful people who happen to like to get high. These people get locked up in prison and the taxpayers have to foot the bill. We have to pay for food, housing, health care, attorney fees, court costs, and other expenses to lock these people up.   Health risks of marijuana are far less than that of cigarettes and alcohol. There is no conclusive evidence stating that marijuana is chemically addictive, it is impossible to overdose on marijuana because it has a negligible...