"Marijuana: to legalize or not to legalize?"

Continued controversy over marijuana use has supporters on both sides of the issue. Making a decision involves education and maturity, writes Lyn-Marie Blackman, 27, a Correspondent from Bridgetown, Barbados.

Marijuana and its legalization has been a hotly debated issue all over the world. Different arguments have ended with: “legalize it” or “do not legalize it”.

THC or Tetrahydrocannibinol is the primary ingredient in marijuana. It is known for its progress in mitigating the effects of cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and epilepsy on the human body. It also stimulates the appetite in PLHIV (people living with HIV). These are some of the positives that are highlighted when many are arguing for its legalization.

The counter argument has its derivative in the fact that THC is also responsible for the high that marijuana gives. Many usually insert the statement “that it has the potential to lead an individual to go on to harder substances such as cocaine, heroin, ecstasy etc.”

If one juxtaposes these two arguments its shows that there is obviously a pro and con regarding marijuana usage. Education has the power to inform and arms an individual with the option of “Yes” or “No”.

However, the issue is how education on marijuana’s value is delivered. Many youth groups, drug councils and organizations push the negative effects of marijuana but fail miserably at highlighting the positives to strike a balance. This is where the ‘legalize vs. do not legalize’ debate has its genesis and why so many countries have made marijuana usage illegal. It has the healing power for mankind but abuse of the substance is what generates the problem, and this is what needs to be addressed.

 Many of us who view television, listen to music and read magazines have had the constant sensationalization of marijuana for recreational use being fed to us on a regular basis. This sometimes is the agent that fuels consumption with many who partake, justifying their use with “it is cool” or “makes me look chill” without being knowledgeable about the effect of its excessiveness on the body.

Before usage can occur an individual must examine the rationale that is prompting them to gravitate towards marijuana: health or recreation. Marijuana has its usefulness in its moderate consumption and its drawbacks in its abuse. Therefore, the participant must be at a certain level of maturity to be disciplined in their marijuana intake. However one may feel about this controversial issue there is no denying of the fact that marijuana has benefits for mankind.

photo credit: “Caveman Chuck” Coker via photopin cc

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About me: I am a conservative and articulate individual with an innate desire to see love, peace and unity triumph. My interests lie in medical research. I enjoy researching medical news from around the world and reporting it in my monthly newsletter entitled L.I.F.E.

I love biomedical science and believe it holds the key to a healthier society. I aspire to become a medical researcher and writer. My focus now is obtaining more exposure for my newsletters, L.I.F.E. and The Believer.

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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?
To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/commonwealthcorrespondents/
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