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“Marijuana Is The Most Widely Used Illicit Drug Among Adolescents

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“Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among adolescents in the United States” (Pardini et. al. 1204). Since it is so widely used, a large amount of money could be made if the government legalized and taxed it. Even though opponents argue that marijuana is a harmful drug that kills brain cells, the US should legalize it because of economic benefits, health benefits, research opportunities, and population control. Since Colorado legalized marijuana in November of 2012, the state experienced massive economic growth. Licensed dispensaries generated more than $14 million within the first month of sales. In total, about $69 million was collected from taxes on marijuana in 2015 (Borchardt). If marijuana were legal in all 50 states, …show more content…

It can be used for muscle and joint aches caused by fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. It can also be used to treat migraines and irritable bowel syndrome (Women’s Health 156). Unlike pain killers, it is not possible to overdose on marijuana. Many people prefer using marijuana over pain killers. With some, it is the only option to get relief. Plus, pain killers such as Valium and Vicodin are extremely easy to get addicted to. Smoking pot is also rumored to damage lung function, but according to a 2012 government funded study that followed more than 5,000 people for over 20 years, “There is no apparent correlation between occasionally inhaling marijuana and lung function” (Women’s Health 156). Some have even said that smoking pot allows them to breathe better than normal. Another health benefit of marijuana is its ability to fight disease. Medical marijuana is often used to treat glaucoma by lowering eye pressure (“Marijuana’s Moment” 42). Glaucoma is defined as a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball that causes the gradual loss of sight. It normally occurs in people 60 years of age and older. Taken by pill or injection, THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, can help keep eye pressure at a low level. Glaucoma cannot be cured, but blindness can be prevented through the use of eye drops and THC pills. Marijuana can also help people with anxiety, as it normally has a calming, relaxing effect (“Marijuana’s Moment” 42). However,

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