Activity 7!

         After watching the UF Law Review Panel Forum, I have gained a greater understanding on the benefits and disadvantages of legalizing medicinal marijuana. Hearing the opinions of experts in the field has given me a greater insight of the history of marijuana in the United States as well as what the future could hold if the drug becomes legal. When arguing for the legalization of marijuana, it is important to understand how it can be effective in the treatment of illnesses such as AIDs, cancer, or anything else, which causes severe pain. Although, some people would argue that the drug is dangerous, it can be compared to other painkillers such as oxycodone, which can be found at dispensaries. As far as public health goes, it will provide the public with an alternative method to cope through severe amounts of pain in order to ensure their well being and overall health. People around the country have illnesses and marijuana helps them relieve that pain. Legalizing marijuana would allow them to not run the risk of going to prison for long sentences and it would prevent criminalization. Marijuana is also proven to be less harmful than recreational use of alcohol along with sugar.

         Although there are several pros for the legalization of marijuana, there are plenty of disadvantages too. Growing marijuana would increase taxes by large amounts. One of the experts on the panel discussed how growing a certain portion of a vegetable would cost around $60, whereas growing that same amount in marijuana would cost thousands of dollars. It may also form an increase in usage, which can lead to addiction, withdrawal symptoms and harm to the health of people of all ages. It will also make the drug more accessible to younger individuals. Although, it can help with pain, marijuana might not be necessary when taking in to account the many painkillers with already have. The side effect can also be harmful. It can impair driving ability and even break down the immune system. As far as public policy, the drug hasn’t even been approved by the Food and Drug Administration which lacks it’s credibility to not cause issues in the future.