Should Marijuana be universally (federally) legalized in the United States?

Student’s Name Instructor’s Name Course Code Date Should Marijuana Be Universally (Federally) Legalized in the United States? 1 Introduction Over the years, the federal legalization of marijuana has been one of the most contested debates in the U.S. However, despite this debate's existence for a long time, there has not been a solution. Despite 23 States and Washington D.C. fully legalizing it for recreational purposes, the federal government has not yet changed its stand since it still classifies it as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This approach has classified marijuana to drugs such as LSD and heroin that are not accepted for medical use. Most of the people who support the federal legalization of marijuana cite its benefits, such as medical benefits and improving the country's economy. Nevertheless, there are still people who oppose it, highlighting that marijuana will have public health risks, there will be regulatory risks, and even it will be more accessible among minors. Federal legalization of marijuana should happen due to medical benefits, economic opportunities, help in criminal justice reform, boosting public health regulation, and international impacts. 2 Body 1 Medical benefits Marijuana is one of the plants that could have outstanding medical benefits after federal legalization. Marijuana has some compounds that are referred to as cannabinoids, which, when combined with the individual's endocannabinoid system, help to regulate an individual's physiological processes. Most of these compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have been used in some areas to treat varying medical conditions. For example, research has shown that CBD is highly effective in reducing seizure frequency among patients who are suffering from rare forms of epilepsy, the common one being Dravet syndrome. For example, “…purified cannabidiol in children with highly treatment-resistant Dravet syndrome, both doses significantly reduced convulsive seizure frequency compared with placebo” (Miller et al. 619). Using marijuana would, therefore, help to the adverse impact that results from seizures. Additionally, marijuana has been used in other regions to manage chronic pain and reduce inflammation. Furthermore, different areas have used it to alleviate the symptoms that result from cancer, sclerosis, and HIV/AIDs. For example, “…it was discovered that marijuana helped patients regain the appetite that AIDS took from them…” (Collins). The main benefit of marijuana is that when compared to other medications for chronic pain treatment, such as opioids, marijuana has less risk of addiction and death that could result from overdose. Even though some opposers have argued that the benefits that marijuana offers could also be attained by using the existing pharmaceuticals, most patients who have used natural cannabis have highlighted that natural cannabis is more effective. Besides, they have said that it offers them comprehensive relief in addition to being practical, primarily because of its "entourage effect," which is a synergistic interaction of cannabinoids and terpenes. Federal legalization would, therefore, help more to manage and solve most people's health conditions and also stimulate research for other medical applications of marijuana, thus boosting overall healthcare. 2 Economic Benefits The federal legalization of marijuana could have outstanding economic benefits in the country. These financial benefits are already evident in all the states that have already legalized marijuana. For example, the legalization could boost the revenue the government will be earning, which it could use to improve the country by reinvesting it in critical public services such as improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Moreover, legalization could create jobs in the country, from production to processing and even sales, reducing unemployment cases. Federal legalization could also reduce the financial burden the government has incurred by enforcing the prohibition. One of the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes was Colorado...