Legalization of Light Drugs (Essay Sample)

LEGALIZATION OF LIGHT DRUGS
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The presence of illegal light drugs around the world has been an unending social concern. Although there are legal penalties associated with possession and consumption of light drugs, consumers do not seem to be deterred at all. However, some light drugs such as marijuana have been legalized in several countries including Uruguay and Jamaica. These two countries seem to have set the trend for other countries that may be considering a similar move. In the United States, for example, marijuana is used for therapeutic purposes in most of the states. Such disparities are common for many other light drugs. Even though there are many campaigns lobbying for the legalization of light drugs, the reasons why these drugs are illegal should not be forgotten. Light drugs have extensive negative ramifications that affect the socio-economic structure of society.
The fact that several countries have legalized the consumption of light drugs has given impetus to campaigns for the legalization of the drugs. If illegal light drugs were to be legalized, several advantages would be realized. Firstly, the rates of addiction as well as transition to hard drugs would decrease significantly. This is because light drugs are considered to be gateway drugs to hard drugs. Many consumers of light drugs end up giving in to the temptation of using hard drugs. If the light drugs were to be legalized, then users would not consider trying out hard drugs because of the legal consequences involved. Contrasts can be drawn between illegal light drugs and the ones that have already been legalized. For example, consumption of tobacco products is legalized in many countries enabling the concerned authorities to monitor and regulate addiction rates. If the same policies were to be applied to marijuana, the rates of addiction would decrease significantly.
Legalization of light drugs can contribute to the economy. Countries that have legalized the consumption of alcohol and tobacco have benefited from the economic contribution of these light drugs. Similarly, marijuana can be used to the advantage of the economy by ensuring that taxes are levied for trading the drug. Taxes on light drugs are always levied at high rates because drugs are leisure commodities. Legalizing the use of light drugs would also eliminate the association of the drugs with criminal activities. Currently, drug use is closely associated with delinquency, murder as well as assassinations. Cartels and drug lords are notorious with cases of extortion and money laundering. If light drugs were made legal, there would be reduced cases of cartels and hence reduction in crime rates.
Disadvantages associated with legalization of light drugs include negative health effects. Light drugs are known to cause diseases such as lung cancer, schizophrenia, and sometimes death. The consumption of illegal light drugs is also associated with crime within communities. Many drug users spend most of their time consuming the drugs or shedding off the drug effects. This makes them less active and hence they become irresponsible individuals in society. Most drug users turn to crim...