There are four states that have legalized recreational use for marijuana (Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska) and more than half of the remaining states are considering legalizing it for medical or recreational use. For medicinal purposes, marijuana has been shown to treat conditions of pain and nausea in individuals with HIV/AIDS and cancer.
When taken in large doses, have been shown to affect memories, disrupt coordination, balance, and reaction times. According to drugabout.gov, “heavy marijuana users generally report lower life satisfaction, poorer mental and physical health, more relationship problems, and less academic and career success compared to non-marijuana-using peers.”
Clearly, some lawmakers and doctors are opening up legalizing marijuana. Based on side effects that are associated with marijuana, is it more harmful than current legalized drugs that are out there? In terms of the psychological side effects of drugs, do you think marijuana should be legalized? Are there other illegal drugs that should be legalized? Are there current legal drugs that should be illegal or at least more regulated (tobacco, alcohol, caffeine)?
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/08/health/gupta-changed-mind-marijuana/
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