Leagalization of Recreational Marijuana
Teairra Richards
20 December, 2012 Legalization of Recreational Marijuana Cannabis also known as Marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States (Commonly Used Drug Chart). In 2004, the United Nations estimated that global consumption of cannabis included approximately 4% of the adult world population annually and 0.6 % of people daily (Commonly Used Drug Chart). Because of this ever-increasing usage rate, many countries have raised a debate on legality of recreational marijuana; the United States included. With legalization of recreational marijuana in the states of Washington and Colorado, critics have raised the concern on marijuana’s legality in the entire United States (Commonly Used Drug Chart). As supported by statistical data, modern government models and psychological research, recreational marijuana should be legalized and regulated in the entire country. As supported by statistical data, recreational marijuana should be legalized and regulated in the entire country. Marijuana use by adolescents has been on the rise since the mid 2000’s. In 2012, 6.5 percent of 8th graders, 17.0 percent of 10th graders, and 22.9 percent of 12th graders admit to consuming marijuana in the past month (Drug Facts:High School and Youth Trends). This is a major increase from 14.2 percent, and 18.8 percent in 2007 (Drug Facts:High School and Youth Trends). Critics argue that a more profound increase will appear with the legalization of recreational marijuana. However, studies show a negative correlation between the legalization of marijuana and increased teen usage. A study by economist from three U.S universities found that in 13 states where medical marijuana is legal, the increase usage by 10th and 12th graders had nothing to do with legalization of marijuana. (Rees, Hansen and Anderson). Even with this extensive 14-year study, the Federal government still contends that the legalization of medical marijuana encourages teenagers
20 December, 2012 Legalization of Recreational Marijuana Cannabis also known as Marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States (Commonly Used Drug Chart). In 2004, the United Nations estimated that global consumption of cannabis included approximately 4% of the adult world population annually and 0.6 % of people daily (Commonly Used Drug Chart). Because of this ever-increasing usage rate, many countries have raised a debate on legality of recreational marijuana; the United States included. With legalization of recreational marijuana in the states of Washington and Colorado, critics have raised the concern on marijuana’s legality in the entire United States (Commonly Used Drug Chart). As supported by statistical data, modern government models and psychological research, recreational marijuana should be legalized and regulated in the entire country. As supported by statistical data, recreational marijuana should be legalized and regulated in the entire country. Marijuana use by adolescents has been on the rise since the mid 2000’s. In 2012, 6.5 percent of 8th graders, 17.0 percent of 10th graders, and 22.9 percent of 12th graders admit to consuming marijuana in the past month (Drug Facts:High School and Youth Trends). This is a major increase from 14.2 percent, and 18.8 percent in 2007 (Drug Facts:High School and Youth Trends). Critics argue that a more profound increase will appear with the legalization of recreational marijuana. However, studies show a negative correlation between the legalization of marijuana and increased teen usage. A study by economist from three U.S universities found that in 13 states where medical marijuana is legal, the increase usage by 10th and 12th graders had nothing to do with legalization of marijuana. (Rees, Hansen and Anderson). Even with this extensive 14-year study, the Federal government still contends that the legalization of medical marijuana encourages teenagers
Bibliography: Alcohol And Drugs. 2012. 14 December 2012.