Legalization of marijuana is a very acute topic in the modern world. Cannabis is already decriminalized in 20 states where it is utilized for medical purposes. At the same time, the states of Washington and Colorado allow marijuana for personal usage and consumption. It is no wonder that more than 100 million individuals in America have tried and utilized marijuana for different reasons.
45% of Americans are supporting its further decriminalization, while 65% believe that it will be legalized in about ten years. Despite this, the current law of Utah concerning marijuana states that ounce and less of the drug will lead to six-month sentence in jail (MPP). That is why the debates and discussions about the legalization of marijuana in Utah are progressively increasing.
The main concerns that arise when it comes to considering marijuana decriminalization and further legalization include enhanced consumption and, as a result, abuse, availability to minors, increased violation of the rules, and massively growing levels of corruption, crime and violence. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that despite strict regulations that exist in Utah now, marijuana is being sold and bought. There exists an uncontrolled illegitimate exchange, which, in fact, creates all the negative aspects that people connect to cannabis and its consumption. That is why numerous individuals support its legalization – this means that the government will be able to control the market and conditions, under which people are allowed to utilize the substance.
A recent vote of registered Utahns exposes that the people of the state are against utilization of the substance for recreational use, which is confirmed by 57% of votes, while 61% are supporting and allowing the use of marijuana for medical treatment (Hesterman, 2013).
Various governments supported researches and academic studies conducted during the past 25 years exposing that legalization of marijuana does not have a connection to the increased use of the substance in adults or adolescents. In fact, legalization of marijuana will bring the government the ability to regulate its sales, consumptions, and market in general. This will create new workplaces as well as health care and economic opportunities instead of illegitimate and harmful ‘underground’ exchanges. The funding that is used right now to support the resources of public protection law enforcement would be preserved, while costs for corrections and courts would be reduced. Local and state governments would be able to obtain substantial sources of tax income from regulating cannabis sales.
Utah already has an example of 20 other states. The jurisdictions that accepted legalization of the substance show no or rather slight increase among those who are most likely to be exposed to utilization. Arrests that are connected to cannabis are about 4% of all arrests, which means that legalization of marijuana would have marginal influence on the workload of policemen (Austin, 2005).
Therefore, my opinion is that marijuana should be legalized. It should be distributed by medical facilities. People should be aware of what marijuana is, what its effects are and what the reasons for consumption of the substance are. Individuals younger than 21 years of age should not have access to cannabis. Drugs that like MDMA, cocaine, and methamphetamine should not be legalized.
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