The Mycenaean

Recreational marijuana is currently legal in twenty-one states out of the fifty states in the USA. The debate about whether or not it should be legalized has been ongoing since the Colonial Era.

The current states that have it legalized include:

• Colorado
• Washington
• Alaska
• Oregon
• Washington D.C
• California
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Nevada
• Michigan
• Vermont
• Illinois
• Arizona
• Montana
• New Jersey
• New York
• Virginia
• New Mexico
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island
• Maryland
• Missouri

Seventeen of the other states that don’t have legalized marijuana have a medical version instead. However, thirteen states have a complete ban on all use of any kind of the drug.

Legalization of Marijuana

The Mycenaean has followed the path of legislation over the years but have noticed a common trend.

Political parties constantly fight over the legalization of recreational marijuana and because of that, every state has its own policy. The question is, should recreational marijuana be legal?

Owen McGinnis, sophomore, said, “I believe recreational marijuana should be legalized, but under similar conditions to alcohol.”

The current laws for alcohol include 21 years of age, no drunk driving, importation regulations, and sale regulations. So, McGinnis wants recreational marijuana to be treated like alcohol.

Pros and Cons

There are many valid reasons on both sides to why this drug should or should not be legalized.

The reason why people love marijuana is because of the effect it has on your body and brain. It gives the “high” sensation which is sought after.

Georgia Weaver, senior, said, “Recreational marijuana has a lot of benefits like decrease in anxiety, a stress reliever, and creates a relaxation feeling.”

However, some problems may occur when smoking in heavy amounts or long term

Aidan Quinn, sophomore, said, “It makes your brain run a bit slower, which makes you act dumb. It can also lead to severe health issues affecting the lungs or possible brain damage.”

Alternative

Although marijuana is a drug, some argue that it’s significantly less harmful compared to other drugs or smoking devices in the market.

For example, cigarettes and vapes are smoking devices and directly harm the lungs. Despite the problems they create, there is no ban on them. There are laws and regulations against them but are easily accessible to anyone.

Keanu Tran, sophomore, said, “Marijuana is a much better alternative to smoking or other drugs because it is less harmful.”

“Cigarettes are addictive and also severely damage the lungs,” said Tran. “Other hardcore drugs exist, so it would be better seeing people only using marijuana than more dangerous stuff.”

The debate for this drug may never end because everyone has different opinions on the rules on it, or if it should be accessed at all.