The debate over the legalisation of cannabis sativa, more commonly known as marihuana, has been one of the most controversial issues ever to occur. Supporters claim that marihuana is less harmful than drugs currently legal such as tobacco or alcohol and it can be beneficial for society and economy. However, what seems to be more convincing is opponents’ conviction that legalising it would have a substantial number of negative effects. The most commonly mentioned consist of: excessive consumption, increased rate in car accidents and the phenomena of progressing from soft to hard drugs.
First of all, cannabis legalisation could cause a rise in a number of people consuming it. Though the number of marijuana users might not quickly climb to the current figures for alcohol and tobacco users, if marijuana were legalised, the increase in users would be both large and rapid with subsequent increases in addiction. Legalization would decrease price and increase availability. Availability is a leading factor associated with increased drug use. As opposed to the complicated and lengthy process of finding a black market dealer of the drugs, one could under legalisation, get marijuana in a shop or at the gas station. Not only cwould it allow easier access for current users, it would also attract new smokers who had not smoked marijuana because of the effort required in getting access to it.
Apart from increased consumption, drug-impaired driving would also increase if marijuana is legalised. Marijuana is already a significant causal factor in highway crashes, injuries and deaths. It is due to the fact that marijuana has serious harmful effects on the skills required to drive safely: alertness, the ability to concentrate, coordination, and the ability to react quickly. Marijuana use makes it difficult to judge distances and react to signals and sounds on the road. These