The Effects of Marijuana Decriminalization on Youth

Research suggests that physical and psychological health problems, as well as the inability to perform well academically and professionally, can be attributed to marijuana use, especially when individuals start smoking or consuming at an early age. Cannabis is not a federally legal substance, thus no regulatory agency exists that assures marijuana and marijuana-laced products are efficient and safe for the public. The lack of this substance’s control has lead to the accidental consumption of marijuana edibles by children, which are a population of particular concern along with adolescents due to the drug’s greater negative effect on their developing brain. Opponents also fear that use and crime will incremently increase with legalization. Statistics, however, prove that these beliefs are erroneous. On the contrary, supporters agree that the legalization of marijuana will greatly benefit society, for example, by decreasing crime rates and allowing law enforcement officials to focus on protecting citizens from real dangers. This argument might be accurate. Studies show that in states where marijuana has been decriminalized, delinquency has declined. Although adults in four American states can legally use marijuana recreationally, the drug is far from being licit at the federal level