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Why Cannabis Shouldn’t Be Legalised
The cannabis plant contains a range of compounds known as cannabinoids. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound responsible for the ‘high’ associated with cannabis use. CBD (cannabidiol) is another cannabinoid with a range of potential therapeutic properties.
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that CBD may be effective in treating a range of conditions, including anxiety, epilepsy, and pain.
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The Health Risks of Cannabis
Although there are some potential health benefits of cannabis, the risks are too great to justify its legalisation. Cannabis use has been linked to mental health problems, including psychosis and anxiety. It can also lead to lung problems, such as bronchitis and lung cancer.
Short-term effects of cannabis
Cannabis intoxication can cause euphoria, feelings of well-being, relaxation and increased appetite. Psychedelic effects include changes in perception, mood and body consciousness. Short-term side effects may also include impaired short-term memory, dry mouth, bloodshot eyes, slowed reaction time, anxiety and panic attacks. Some of these side effects can persist even after you stop taking cannabis.
Long-term effects of smoking cannabis are similar to the effects of smoking tobacco. These effects can include risks to lung health, such as:
-Coughing and increased mucus buildup
-Frequent respiratory infections
-Wheezing and chronic (long-term) bronchitis
-Lung infections
-Lung cancer
Long-term effects of cannabis
Cannabis is mostly used recreationally or as a medicinal drug, although it may also be used for spiritual purposes. The main psychoactive (mind-altering) chemical in cannabis is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but more than 100 other chemicals, known as cannabinoids, are found in the plant.
Cannabis use can have a wide range of effects, both physical and mental. Short-term effects can include:
– impaired ability to: remember, concentrate, pay attention, react quickly
– anxiety
– fear or paranoia
– panic attacks
– low blood pressure, which can cause people to faint
– red eyes and dry mouth
Longer term effects of smoking cannabis are similar to the effects of smoking tobacco. These effects can include risks to lung health, such as:
– bronchitis
– lung infections
– chronic (long-term) cough
– increased mucus buildup in the chest.
The Social Risks of Cannabis
Many people believe that cannabis should be legalised, but there are a number of social risks associated with legalisation. These risks include an increase in use among young people, normalisation of drug use, and increased potency of cannabis.
Crime
There is a strong link between cannabis and crime. A Home Office study in England found that half of all violent incidents in the UK where the perpetrator had used drugs were linked to cannabis. In addition, a US Department of Justice study found that 60% of people who had used cannabis within the past year had committed at least one serious crime.
Cannabis use is also linked to increased aggression and violence. A study in New Zealand found that people who had used cannabis in the past year were three times more likely to engage in violence than those who had not used cannabis.
Cannabis use is also linked to property crime. In the US, around 25% of people who use cannabis regularly have been convicted of property crimes, such as burglary and theft.
In addition, legalising cannabis would send a message to young people that it is ok to break the law. This would lead to more young people using cannabis, and more young people engaging in criminal activity.
While it is true that cannabis use is not directly linked to antisocial or violent behaviour, it can be a contributing factor. Studies have shown that people who use cannabis are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours, including having unsafe sex and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can lead to problems for both the individual and society as a whole.
Cannabis use has also been linked to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Some studies suggest that heavy users of cannabis are more likely to develop psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. While there is no definitive evidence that cannabis causes these disorders, it is thought that the drug may trigger them in people who are already predisposed to them.
In addition to the risks posed by its direct effects, cannabis also has a number of indirect effects on society. The illegal status of the drug means that it is often produced and sold by criminal gangs. This can lead to crime and violence associated with the drug trade, as well as problems such as money laundering and corruption.
The legalisation of cannabis would also send a message to young people that drug use is acceptable. This could increase rates of experimentation and regular use, especially among vulnerable groups such as adolescents. It is important to remember that the human brain continues to develop into early adulthood, and substance use during this time can have lasting effects on cognitive function and mental health.
Mental health
Cannabis use has been shown to have a number of negative effects on mental health, both in the short term and long term. Short-term effects can include paranoia, anxiety and panic attacks, while long-term effects are more likely to include depression, self-harm and psychosis.
There is also a strong link between cannabis use and developing psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, especially in people who are genetically predisposed to mental illness. psychotic disorder is a severe mental illness that causes hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking and behaviour.
Cannabis use can also exacerbate the symptoms of other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
The Economic Risks of Cannabis
The potential risks of legalising cannabis outweigh the potential economic benefits. Cannabis is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. If cannabis were to be legalised, it would likely increase the number of people using the drug, which would lead to more people going to hospital and more people addicted to the drug.
The black market
The black market for cannabis is well-established and exists in every state where cannabis is illegal. It’s estimated that the black market for cannabis is worth $40-$50 billion annually in the United States. If cannabis were to be legalized, it’s likely that the black market would continue to thrive, as there would still be a demand for it. This would create a number of problems, including:
-Violence: The black market is often associated with violence, as dealers compete with each other for turf. This violence could spill over into the legal market if it’s not adequately regulated.
-Diversion: Legal cannabis could be diverted to the black market, either through illegal grow operations or theft. This would undermine the legal market and could lead to higher prices.
-Unlicensed dispensaries: There would likely be an increase in the number of unlicensed dispensaries if cannabis were legalized. This would create a situation where there’s a proliferation of dispensaries, many of which are operating outside of the law.
These are just some of the risks associated with legalizing cannabis. It’s important to weigh these risks against the potential benefits before making a decision on whether or not to legalize it.
Loss of productivity
There is a risk that the legalisation of cannabis will lead to a increase in its use, and consequently a loss of productivity. A study by the Institute for the Study of Labor found that workers who used cannabis had an average of 3.8% less productive work hours. If more people start using cannabis, this could lead to a reduction in overall economic productivity.
Increased healthcare costs
Cannabis use can lead to a number of health problems, including lung damage, psychotic episodes, and addictions. These health problems can increase healthcare costs and strain already overburdened healthcare systems. In addition, cannabis use can impair cognitive function and increase the risk of accidents and injuries, which also costs taxpayers money in terms of increased healthcare and law enforcement costs.
