In this blog post, we will look at the feasibility of legalization, focusing on the addiction and negative effects of marijuana on youth.
Drug crime has become more sophisticated in recent years, and the debate over the legalization of marijuana continues around the world. Some countries have already legalized marijuana or allow its use for medical purposes, but I do not think the legalization of marijuana is justified. I would like to present various reasons and evidence to support this.
First of all, marijuana refers to the drying of a plant such as cannabis to produce psychoactive effects. In particular, marijuana contains a large amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main ingredient that causes psychoactive chemical reactions. THC is a substance that affects neurotransmitters in the brain, changing mood and cognitive function. However, in addition to THC, marijuana contains at least 66 other chemical components, each of which affects the body and mind in different ways. When these chemicals are absorbed into the body, they can cause not only subjective hallucinogenic effects but also physical illness. Marijuana can cause respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, and lung disease, and long-term smoking can also cause reproductive organ dysfunction and brain dysfunction.
Furthermore, marijuana is known to be a highly addictive substance. Once inhaled, there is a strong tendency to continue inhaling due to withdrawal symptoms. Marijuana addiction does not stop at simply using the drug repeatedly. As the addiction intensifies, the user gradually gives up other aspects of life as their physical and mental dependence increases. This can ultimately seriously harm the individual’s health. These side effects of marijuana should never be taken lightly. The fact that the use of marijuana can have a devastating effect on an individual’s physical and mental health should never be ignored at the national level.
It is one of the important responsibilities of the state to protect the health of its people. Therefore, I believe that it is a very appropriate measure to protect the safety and lives of the people by making the use of drugs such as marijuana illegal. The legalization of marijuana is not just about banning drugs, but an important policy measure to help people lead healthy and safe lives. Although there is active discussion on the legalization of marijuana, given the risks and side effects that may arise from it, the country’s legal sanctions can be evaluated as a legitimate measure to protect the people.
In addition, the use of marijuana has various negative effects on an individual’s mental and physical functions. For example, long-term use of marijuana can cause loss of energy, lethargy, loss of desire, decreased efficiency, loss of ability to plan for the long term, attention deficit, and memory loss. This can significantly reduce work performance and academic achievement. In particular, if students or office workers are affected by this, there is a high possibility that it will cause serious social and economic problems. These symptoms are known as “Boreout Syndrome,” which can cause a loss of interest and motivation in life and, in severe cases, can develop into a mental illness. In particular, it cannot be ruled out that people who experience these symptoms due to marijuana use may suffer from depression or make extreme choices such as suicide. This can act as a factor that can have serious adverse effects on society as a whole, beyond simply being an individual problem.
Those who support the legalization of marijuana may argue that it infringes on individual rights, especially the right to privacy and freedom. However, these rights can be restricted when there is a possibility of harming public safety and health, which is the case with the legalization of marijuana. The issue of conflicts of rights that may arise during the process of legalizing marijuana is a task of finding the right balance between two important values: freedom of choice and the protection of public health. In fact, there was a lot of opposition and controversy in the early stages of the legalization of same-sex marriage, but these conflicts were resolved through changes in social perceptions and the establishment of legal systems. However, unlike same-sex marriage, marijuana is a health and safety issue, so the side effects and risks that may arise in the process of legalizing it should not be overlooked.
There is also an argument that marijuana has relatively fewer side effects than other drugs. However, this is only true in certain cases. In particular, the side effects can be much more serious if a person is exposed to marijuana during adolescence. If marijuana is legalized, it will be easier for teenagers to access it, which could have a devastating effect on their physical and mental development. Studies have shown that using marijuana during adolescence increases the incidence of depression, schizophrenia, and suicidal behavior. This is not just a temporary problem, but a serious problem that can have a negative impact on an individual’s life and society as a whole in the long run.
In particular, THC, the main ingredient in marijuana, has a strong effect on the central nervous system, causing changes in human behavior, thinking, and emotions. When teenagers become addicted to marijuana, their academic performance drops and they lose interest in the activities they used to enjoy. This lethargy and burnout syndrome can persist into adulthood, negatively affecting an individual’s economic independence and social success. Above all, if teenagers become dependent on marijuana during their growing up process, their future will be greatly jeopardized. Therefore, making marijuana illegal is an essential measure to protect the healthy growth and future of teenagers.
In summary, making marijuana illegal is not just a matter of restricting individual freedom, but can be understood as a legitimate measure for the state to protect the health and safety of the entire population. Legalizing marijuana not only causes conflicts with various rights, but the risk is too great to bear the social costs and side effects that arise from it. In particular, considering the negative impact on the health and future of young people, the legalization of marijuana is a necessary measure.
