Dsouza 1
Amanda Dsouza
Ms. Matteson
ENGL. 1301.17
20 October 2016
Legalizing Marijuana
Marijuana is a dried leaf, stem, and seeds from a hemp plant that contains chemicals
known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other compounds. High amounts of THC can
also be made from the cannabis plant. In the United States, marijuana is the most illegal drug
used. Marijuana can be used in many ways. For instance, hand-rolled cigarettes, or in pipes or
water pipes, people also mix marijuana in food, such as brownies, cookies, candy, or even
brewing it in tea or coffee. Individuals tend to use marijuana to get rid of physical or mental
issues, stress, and anger. On the other hand, few individuals use marijuana wisely to survive
cancer as well as many other diseases. Furthermore, Pew Research states that the public opinion
about legalizing marijuana has changed over the years. Most individuals favor the use of
marijuana and few opposed. When Pew Research conducted a survey of 1,500 adults, it was
found out that legalizing the use of marijuana were far more compared to opposed and the same
with millennials (currently 18-34) who favored the use of legalizing marijuana. However, in
order to legalize marijuana a lot needs to be looked upon. Therefore, legalization of marijuana
consists of a lot of advantages which can help individuals, and disadvantages which can destroy
a human’s life.
The use of marijuana has several disadvantages that can affect individuals physically. The
use of marijuana has various physical effects. Smoking marijuana can irritate the lungs which
can cause breathing problems. These problems include a daily cough, phlegm as well as a lung
Dsouza 2
infection. Marijuana can also increase the heart rate which can increase the chances of heart
attacks. Marijuana can also cause problems with child development during and after pregnancy.
If mothers tend to take marijuana during pregnancy, this can increase the risk of both the brain
and behavioral issues of the baby which can also affect the baby mentally.
In respect to the disadvantages that affect individuals physically, the use of marijuana can
also affect individuals mentally. The use of marijuana has both short and long- term effect on the
brain. In a case of long term effect, marijuana can affect the brain. When teenagers or individuals
began to use marijuana, the drug affects the brain by reducing memory, thinking, and learning
functions. Moreover, these effects can last for a long time or even be permanent. Long-term use
of smoked marijuana can also affect the lung function and cardiovascular health. (Keith) Short
term effect is when THC passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The chemical in the blood
