The terms for it are infinite. You may have heard it as "herb" or "reefer." Avid fans of Reggae music are probably familiar with the term "ganga." More commonly, we probably know it as "weed." Regardless, all these terms refer to the same thing, Marijuana. Marijuana is one of the more interesting subjects in society. While it's still an illegal substance, many claim it to be harmless to the body. This argument has caused many to rally, protest, and call for its legalization. Someone calling for its legalization is one of my colleagues , Mr. Tyler Avey.
In Tyler Avey's editorial, Legalize It!, Mr. Avey believes the state can profit immensely by legalizing marijuana. By legalizing it, the state then has the ability to place a tax on it. Also, Mr. Avey feels the effort to prosecute marijuana users is "mind-boggling." If legalized, the prosecution of marijuana would only be focused on people who try to profit off of trade. He also goes on to express his thoughts on how marijuana is already easily accessible to minors and how public safety is not at high risk of being compromised as people would think. Due to a lack of a definite test to determine the amount of THC in one's body, zero tolerance will be granted to anyone accused of driving under the influence of marijuana. All in all, Mr. Avey believes the legalization of marijuana is not only inevitable, but can be of mutual benefit to the state as well as its citizens.
Mr. Avey does indeed make valid points. Can the state gain a considerable amount of revenue taxing marijuana? Sure. Would legalizing it lessen the burden on law enforcement? Sure. I cannot disagree with any of Mr. Avey's arguments. Yet, I still disagree with the legalization of it. My argument comes from a moral standpoint. Carrying the "boyscout" attitude I have, I still consider marijuana a taboo thing. I don't mean that like I'm some extreme advocate against it. Even as common as its usage is, its just something I refuse to acknowledge as something you should do in a "normal" day. My perception of marijuana is its an addictive substance. I feel legalizing it will just increase its likelihood of abuse and dependency.
My biggest argument against its legalization is its potential negative effects on society. If more and more people begin to smoke marijuana, I believe productivity as a society will dwindle. While it is not a scientific fact, I find the conception that marijuana causes a loss of motivation and increase in laziness to be true. Time and time again, my personal experiences have proven me right. I truly don't believe the younger population in our state can handle such a privilege, assuming that 18 will be the legal age to purchase it. Texas already being towards the bottom of the totem pole in education and closer to the top in poverty do not need its future generation to be a bunch of unmotivated "potheads." I make this point because I believe legalization will not only assure substance abuse, but also a progressive rise in users. Not only will current users increase their desire to use it, but more and more people who chose to avoid it before for moral reasons will now pick up the habit because it is deemed "OK" by stripping it of its unlawfulness.
I also think it makes our community look very unattractive. If legalization is indeed inevitable, I would like to see some regulations on it like the banning of its usage in public settings. I don't have a problem if you chose to smoke it in the confinement of you own property, but smoking marijuana freely and openly in public places feels very classless to me. I honestly would not like to live in a place where every time I walk outside, it looks like a Rastafarian festival is taking place.
In conclusion, there is just too many flaws in our society as is to throw in something like marijuana into the mix. If you are truly that bored, go read a book or go play at the park, maybe help your mom with something in the kitchen. At least that's what I'll be doing. I guarantee you this, the state is not getting a cent more in tax money than what I'm already required to pay.
Texas: Big Guts and Budget Cuts/ Legalize It! / http://biggutsandbudgetcuts.blogspot.com/2011/05/legalize-it.html/ May 2nd, 2011
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