Drug Legalization

Introduction

The debate over drug legalization rages white-hot but not along clear partisan lines. The slim majority of Americans favor legalization of certain drugs as they believe it would boost the economy while having a negligible effect on the rest of society and should not be a matter arbitrated by the government. Those in favor of legalizing non-medical marijuana number 57% of the nation as of 2024. Those against it seek to undermine this line of thinking with a heavy emphasis on the damage it will do to society as a whole and the individuals within it.

For Legalization

Many who are pro-legalization (skews Democrat) realize the economic implications of opening up an entirely new sector in the market. Several states have already legalized recreational drugs and thus serve as relevant case studies for what could happen if this plan were instituted nationally. Many believe that legalizing recreational drugs improves the economy by providing investment opportunities and increasing job growth. If made legal, it would allow investors to capitalize on the development of the industry. Nationally, 1 million jobs could be created with federal legalization. Legalization is also a positive for the government's budget, as it allows a previously illegal, untaxed segment of the economy to generate taxable income. Legalizing marijuana could potentially destroy the black market for it if government regulations are not too strict. Proponents argue that this Democratic republic should represent its citizens' views; public support for legalization has risen from 12% in 1969 to 66% today. Marijuana supporters also argue the drug decreases crime because people are less likely to drink alcohol, which is ten times more effective at increasing the rate of violent crime.

Additionally, legalizing it potentially makes it safer. Currently, many drugs are mixed with fentanyl, a potentially lethal substance that is incredibly addictive. If marijuana were legalized with certain regulations, people would have increased access to a safer version of the drug.

Finally, legalizing certain drugs removes power from international drug cartels. If we have an efficient and safe market in the US, there's no reason to give money to foreign groups that resemble terroristic tactics. Millions suffer at the hands of South American cartels each year.

Against Legalization

Most people against the legalization of marijuana point out the adverse effects of weed and other drugs, arguing that selling it would be irresponsible. Multiple studies, including one from the National Epidemiological, found that marijuana is a "gateway drug," which leads users to try other, more harmful substances. The study showed that the use of weed also increases people's likelihood of becoming addicted to alcohol and other drugs. Some opponents of legalization also argue that the homeless population will increase concurrently with more alcohol and drug addicts. A study by the National Coalition for the Homeless showed that 26% of homeless people are addicted to harmful substances, and 38% are addicted to alcohol. This would be detrimental to the economy because there would be fewer people working. It would also lead to even worse conditions for the average American, for drug and alcohol addiction is correlated to crime, including violence and driving accidents.

Many people also argue that the legalization of marijuana would lead to less freedom, not more. Drug dependency removes the ability to think and act independently, a tragic condition that marijuana legalization would make all the more common.

Discussion Questions

Should marijuana be federally legalized?
Which is more harmful to society, alcohol or marijuana?
- Should alcohol be legal?
- What about other toxic substances, like sugar?
Do you think legalizing marijuana will have an impact on the day-to-day for many Americans?
Do people, from a liberty-based standpoint, have the right to ingest whatever they want?

Sources

Pew Research. "Most Americans Favor Legalizing Marijuana for Medicinal, Recreational Use." March 26, 2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/03/26/most-americans-favor-legalizing-marijuana-for-medical-recreational-use/

Krishna, Mrinalni. “The Economic Benefits of Legalizing Weed.” Investopedia, 2019. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/insights/110916/economic-benefits-legalizing-weed.asp.

Murray, Krystina. “Homelessness and Addiction - AddictionCenter.” AddictionCenter, 2017. https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/homelessness/.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?” Drugabuse.gov, 2018. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-gateway-drug.