Realist’s Perspective on Legalization of Marijuana

from washcoll.edu

Posted by The Elm on March 8, 2013 · Leave a Comment 

By Kevin Lair
Staff Columnist

One of America’s most blazing issues concerns the legalization of marijuana. Unfortunately, two vocal sides prevent constructive debate—prohibitionists who fear the decriminalization of any drug yet take prescription pills like candy verses the free-spirited stoners who simply want to get high. However, most Americans lie in between these two extreme positions and demand a reasonable, fact-based discussion on this critical issue.

One cannot overlook marijuana’s immense medical benefits. Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders asserted, “The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS — or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them.” He added, “Marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day.”

Dr. Donald Abrams’ report entitled “Short-Term Effects of Cannabinoids in Patients with HIV-1 Infection” found that “patients receiving cannabinoids [smoked marijuana and marijuana pills] had improved immune function compared with those receiving placebo… and gained about four pounds more on average.” Consumer Reports strengthened this argument; “For patients with advanced AIDS and terminal cancer, the apparent benefits some derive from smoking marijuana outweigh any substantiated or even suspected risks.”

In 2006, Harvard Medical School conducted a study on the effects of marijuana; they concluded, “there is very little evidence that smoking marijuana… represents a health risk. There have been no reported cases of lung cancer or emphysema attributed to marijuana, nor any other medical damages.” The UCLA validated this conclusion; “even prolonged and heavy marijuana smoking causes no serious lung damage.” This has compelled the American College of Physicians to demand a lower classification of the drug.

In comparison with legal drugs, pot proves superior. The Center for Disease Control finds that 443,000 Americans die annually from tobacco use and second-hand smoke, and alcohol abuse results in another 100,000 deaths. Overdose from prescription drugs claims another 20,000 lives with nearly 15,000 from narcotic painkillers, yet no deaths have been directly linked to marijuana use. Alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs carry true risks of addiction and wide-ranging side effects, whereas marijuana carries none of these detriments.

The University of Berkeley found that “the cost of caring for people with health problems caused by cigarette smoking… is about $72.7 billion per year.” Add this to the cost of alcoholism and faulty prescription drugs, and it becomes clear that marijuana is a safer and financially superior alternative.

The federal government demonstrates hypocrisy by allowing cancerous tobacco, liver-damaging alcohol, and the deadly side effects of prescription drugs, while it keeps marijuana illegal, a drug deemed safe by countless health professionals.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 5.9 million Americans have been arrested on marijuana charges, with the vast majority concerning simple possession infractions. The U.S. government wastes billions of dollars and countless resources imprisoning individuals on such petty crimes, rather than focusing on violent offenders.

Through legalizing marijuana, less money will be spent on enforcement, and the tax revenue will support the U.S. economy. More than 500 economists support “The Budgetary Implications of Marijuana Prohibition” report which estimates that “legalizing marijuana would save $7.7 billion per year in government expenditure on enforcement… and yield $6.2 billion annually if… taxed at rates comparable to those on alcohol and tobacco.”

More than a dozen states have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. This past November, residents of Colorado and Washington voted to allow recreational use of pot. HB 1453 is currently floating around the Maryland General Assembly which would essentially legalize marijuana throughout the state. This would allow Maryland to regulate it, make sure it is safe, and tax it. Equally important, the bill directs the revenues “toward treatment and prevention programs for drugs and alcohol.”

I emphatically urge Maryland to pass HB 1453 as a step in the right direction, and it is time that the federal government follows suit and legalizes marijuana for recreational use.