by Duncan Taylor

Created on: November 27, 2008

On a daily basis, the issues surrounding marijuana, or as some people know it pot, are discussed by people throughout the United States. "Should it be legalized," and "What health effects does it have on frequent users," are some of the questions citizens ponder on. Because of the high-predominance in our country and the world, obviously this mild form a drug is not too terribly bad for society. This common usage presents a case as to why it should be legalized.

For those of you who do not know, marijuana is a psychiatric medication that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. Tetrohydrocannabinol (THC) is the main active ingredient that is absorbed from this natural plant. In a dehydrated, dry form this ingredient can be distracted from the plant. Coming from the Plantae Kingdom, this substance is one-hundred percent natural and can be found growing in all parts of our world.

According to the United States Bureau of Mortality, marijuana causes 0 deaths per year annually, compared to alcohol with causes over 400,000 per year. A frightening statistic, eh? A substance that is banned by most of the world does not contribute to any death, while one which is hardly regulated causes more than 400,000 in our country alone. Does this show how in the dark our society really is? I believe so.

A factor that contributes to the case of legalizing pot is the proven fact that it can be used for medical reasons and can decrease an individual's chance of contracting any form of cancer. Researchers at the University of California discovered that THC, the main substance in marijuana, can act as a preventive measure in cells by causing them to die before being diseased by cancer as they age. This same research team also discovered that pot also inhibits cancer from spreading throughout the body when it is used. Could this illegal substance be the cure to the most dangerous and deadly disease in the world?

Most of the world today has stiff penalties against possessing, growing, and using this herb naturally found growing in many country sides. Fines, imprisonment, and even execution can occur to those found doing any of those acts. My question to you is why? Is it because governments' world-wide can not regulate the use or is it because we want to keep the youth of the world safe? Being of the X-Generation, I can assure all people that pot is commonly found in all aspects of children's life. Whether it is in school or at parties, most school-aged kids have seen or known someone who has used this drug. Over 50% of high school students in this decade have admitted to using some form of marijuana and over 35% of all adults have taken part in this lucrative hobby. If it is this popular in society, why is it illegal?

If our government can use this plant as a form of torture, why can't the rest of society be allowed to use it? If doctors can medically prescribe marijuana to terminal patients, why can't the rest of society be allowed to use it? There is no significant research that supports the "Gateway Drug Theory." Most choices of our world lie in the hands of the people, but why is this decision already made for us? By not being allowed to use this substance, our rights as an individual are being deprived from us. With research proving the appropriateness of this substance, laws should be adapted to support it, resulting in legalization. There are no known defects caused by frequent use of marijuana, henceforth making it safer then most natural elements. Smoking pot has no effect on society, the functionality and safety, and has doing so will have no effect on your health. Using this drug will have a benign effect on your health, therefore it should be legalized; no questions asked.

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