Support for Marijuana Legalization

The persons supporting the legalization of marijuana cite health benefits. Todd (2018) criminalizing marijuana has inhibited the research that would help control or treat many diseases. Research indicates that when compared to other substances, marijuana has a minimum effect on users. For example, 32 % of tobacco users depend on it, while 15% of alcohol users are addicted. However, only 9 % of marijuana users are dependent on it. The statistics show that marijuana is a safer substance than its alternatives. Besides, Todd (2018) indicates that legalizing marijuana would save public resources and earn revenue. Illegalizing marijuana utilizes public resources such as law enforcement and the criminal system, while the resources could be used to fight worthwhile crimes. Legalizing marijuana will also enable the government to control its use and tax the traders, enhancing the economy.
Rebuttal for Marijuana Legalization
The opponents of marijuana legalization cite its effects on mental processes and its contribution to the increase in drug trafficking. According to Evans (2019), legalization challenges law enforcement and schools. Law enforcement counters marijuana use because its use has expedited its black market and contributed to the increase of other illegal substances such as heroin. Marijuana use has also increased traffic fatalities when drivers lose control of their vehicles while under the influence of the drug. Besides, schools are reporting increased use of marijuana by school-going children below 17 years (Evans, 2019). Some scientific research has also indicated use of marijuana triggers mental illness and violence as increased psychotic disorders among recreational marijuana users are increasing. Besides, the users exhibit violent behavior not witnessed in other control-substance use.
Ethical Egoist Point of View
Ethical egoism is the philosophical view that people are at liberty to pursue their interests without any obligation to support others’ ideologies. The theory indicates that individual actions ultimately concern their self-interest (Shaver, 2021). The ethical egoist is likely to support marijuana legalization. The ideology promotes an individual’s self-interest because it aligns with morality. An ethical egoist advocate for medical and recreational marijuana use because criminalizing its uses infringes on personal rights. However, the ethical egoist may note that legalizing marijuana should not interpret the non-smokers’ well-being because it inhibits their well-being. In legalizing marijuana, an ethical egoist may not experience any conflict of loyalty to self and community because using the substance is a personal decision.
Social Contract Ethicist Point of View
The social contract theory philosophy indicates that people’s moral and political obligations are tied to the agreement centered on the community (Friend). In the discussion about marijuana legalization, a social contract ethicist would indicate that marijuana should be used for medical purposes only because it promotes good health, a mutually agreed community ideology. According to the social contract ethicist, legal marijuana is causing harm to the public because its sale interferes with education. Society is obligated to raise children in a drug-free environment. Therefore, legalizing marijuana exposes children to illegal substances. Besides, the ideology notes that legalizing marijuana affects its users’ mental health, which increases health care expenditure. The ethicist may note that areas that have legalized marijuana use are experiencing a surge in drug abuse and trafficking. The topic involves a collision between a personal obligation and the national one because the federal government has abdicated its duty and allowed state governments to make independent legislation on marijuana legality.
Overall, the rising concern of the use of marijuana attribute to health hazards. All the advantages that can be gained from using marijuana and the negative effects that the other people point to can have enormous effects on humans. Evidence suggests that legalizing marijuana would benefit society including medical purposes, and regulated market. In opposition, legalization of marijuana has shown the adverse effects of it including its toxicity and harmful outcome.