Why should marijuana be legalized in our country?

(5,000 Words Essay)

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Tantay, Paul Daniel

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 Why should marijuana be legalized in our country?

If you’ve ever heard of drugs being bad, you’re not alone. The simple phrase "using
drugs" will get a chain of sneers, grunts, odd looks, and probably some sarcastic laughs from
whoever would have heard you, because usually they are stigmatized as something illegal and
forbidden. But not all drugs are bad, and not all drugs are harmful.

Take marijuana, for example, also known as cannabis, which is a plant that contains various
chemicals called cannabinoids. Two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in marijuana
are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These chemicals interact with
receptors in the brain and body to produce a range of effects, both positive and negative.

Knowing this, here are some of the medical effects of marijuana: Pain relief: Marijuana
has been used for centuries to alleviate pain. THC and CBD are believed to have analgesic
properties that can help reduce pain levels. Anti-inflammatory effects: Marijuana has been
shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for conditions such as arthritis.
Appetite stimulation: Marijuana can stimulate appetite, which can be helpful for people who
have lost their appetite due to chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, or other medical conditions. Nausea
relief: Marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, particularly in
patients undergoing chemotherapy. Muscle relaxation: Marijuana can help to relax muscles and
reduce muscle spasms, making it potentially helpful for conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms: Some people find that marijuana can help
reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Glaucoma: Marijuana can reduce the pressure
inside the eye that is associated with glaucoma. It's worth noting that while marijuana has
potential medical benefits, it can also have negative effects on health, particularly if it is used
excessively or inappropriately. It's important to talk to a healthcare provider before using
marijuana for medical purposes.

Although the legalization of marijuana for recreational or medical purposes has been a
topic of much debate and has seen different degrees of acceptance around the world, there are
some countries that have already legalized it or at the very least considered the idea.

Some examples of countries that have legalized marijuana: Canada: In October 2018, Canada
became the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to legalize marijuana for recreational use
nationwide. Uruguay: Uruguay was the first country to legalize marijuana for recreational use in
December 2013. Mexico: In June 2021, Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled that the prohibition of
marijuana for personal use was unconstitutional, paving the way for its legalization. Netherlands:
The Netherlands has not legalized marijuana, but it has a policy of tolerance towards the sale and
use of small amounts of marijuana in designated coffee shops. Portugal: Portugal has
decriminalized the possession and use of all drugs, including marijuana, for personal use, but
sale and distribution remain illegal. Israel: In 2021, Israel legalized the use of cannabis for
recreational purposes, joining several other countries that have legalized marijuana. United
States: Several US states have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical use, including
Colorado, California, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, among others. It’s important to note that
even in countries where marijuana is legal, there may be regulations and restrictions on its use,
sale, and possession. It’s always important to be informed about local laws and regulations
before using marijuana.

Our country is known for being lowly and quite grounded when it comes to rules and
regulations. We are not authoritarian, but we’re also not slackers when it comes to these kinds of
things. There are people who are in favor of legalizing marijuana and those who are opposed.
Here are some arguments that are often cited in favor of legalizing marijuana in the Philippines.
Medical Benefits: Marijuana has been proven to have medical benefits for patients suffering
from certain conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Legalizing
marijuana would allow patients to access medical marijuana under the supervision of a doctor
and without fear of prosecution. Economic Benefits: Legalizing marijuana would create new
industries and job opportunities and generate tax revenue for the government. It could also
reduce the cost of law enforcement and prison expenses associated with marijuana prohibition.
Criminal Justice Reform: The criminalization of marijuana has led to thousands of Filipinos
being incarcerated or facing legal repercussions for using or possessing small amounts of
marijuana.

Legalizing marijuana would reduce the burden on the criminal justice system and could allow for
a more effective allocation of resources towards more serious crimes. Personal Freedom: Adults
should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and lives, as long as they do not
harm others. Legalizing marijuana would give individuals the freedom to use marijuana without
fear of criminal prosecution. However, it is important to note that the use of marijuana can have
negative health effects, especially when used excessively or in conjunction with other
substances. Legalizing marijuana should be done with appropriate regulations to ensure that it is
used safely and responsibly.

In particular, the medical benefits of this drug. Marijuana contains compounds known as
cannabinoids that have been shown to have therapeutic effects on various health conditions. For
example, it is known to have pain-relieving properties and can help alleviate symptoms of
chronic pain, and it has been shown to have antiepileptic effects and can help reduce seizures in
patients with epilepsy. Other potential medical uses of marijuana include treating nausea, muscle
spasms, anxiety, and depression. Economic Benefits:  Legalizing marijuana would create new
jobs in the cultivation, processing, and distribution of marijuana products. It could also generate
tax revenue for the government through the implementation of taxes and licensing fees. In the
United States, for example, states that have legalized marijuana have seen significant increases in
tax revenue.

The information about the current situation regarding marijuana legalization in the Philippines,
as of my knowledge, the Philippines has not legalized marijuana for recreational or medicinal
use. In 2019, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) opposed the proposed bill that
would legalize medical marijuana in the country, citing concerns about the potential for abuse
and addiction.

However, there have been ongoing discussions about the possibility of legalizing marijuana for
medical purposes, especially for conditions such as epilepsy and cancer. In 2020, the House of
Representatives approved a bill seeking to legalize and regulate the use of medical marijuana,
but the Senate has yet to pass a similar bill. It is difficult to say whether the Philippines is ready
to fully legalize marijuana, as there are still concerns among certain sectors of society regarding
the potential risks and consequences of such a move. Ultimately, the decision to legalize
marijuana will depend on the government and public's willingness to consider the potential
benefits and drawbacks, as well as their ability to effectively regulate its use to prevent abuse and
ensure public safety.

It should be noted that marijuana is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant.
It has been used for various purposes for thousands of years, including as medicine, a
recreational drug, and a spiritual sacrament. However, it is also illegal in many countries around
the world, including the Philippines, due to concerns about its potential negative effects on health
and society. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the legalization of marijuana, both
for medical and recreational purposes. Proponents of legalization argue that it could have
significant benefits, including improved access to medical treatment, reduced strain on the
criminal justice system, and economic growth. On the other hand, opponents argue that
legalization could lead to increased drug use, addiction, and negative impacts on public health
and safety.

One of the main arguments in favor of legalizing marijuana in the Philippines is its
potential medical benefits. Research has shown that marijuana can be an effective treatment for a
range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. In many
countries where medical marijuana is legal, patients can obtain the drug with a prescription from
a licensed medical professional. This allows them to access treatment in a safe and regulated
manner, without the risk of criminal prosecution.

Another potential benefit of legalizing marijuana in the Philippines is economic growth. The
marijuana industry has the potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly in
agriculture and manufacturing.

Additionally, legalizing and regulating marijuana could generate significant tax revenue for the
government, which could be used to fund public services and programs.

However, opponents of marijuana legalization argue that the potential risks and consequences of
such a move outweigh any potential benefits. One of the primary concerns is the potential for
abuse and addiction. While marijuana is generally considered to be less addictive than other
drugs such as opioids, it can still be habit-forming, particularly if used regularly over a long
period of time. The long-term use of marijuana can also have negative impacts on mental health
and cognitive function, particularly in young people whose brains are still developing. There are
also concerns about the potential for marijuana to be a gateway drug, leading to the use of more
dangerous drugs such as opioids. Critics of legalization argue that legalizing marijuana could
lead to increased drug use and addiction, which could have significant negative impacts on
public health and safety.

Finally, opponents of marijuana legalization argue that the drug poses significant risks to public
safety. Driving under the influence of marijuana has been found to be a significant risk, and
legalizing the drug could lead to increased instances of impaired driving.

If marijuana were to be legalized in the Philippines, there would need to be measures put
in place to ensure that its use was safe and regulated. While legalization could have potential
benefits, it is also important to consider the potential risks and negative impacts on public health
and safety. Here are some measures that could be put in place to limit the potential negative
consequences of legalizing marijuana: Age restrictions:  One of the most important measures that
would need to be put in place is age restrictions on the use of marijuana. Just as with alcohol and
tobacco, there would need to be a minimum age at which it would be legal to purchase and use
marijuana. This would help prevent young people from accessing the drug and minimize the
potential negative impacts on their developing brains. Quality control: Another important
measure would be to ensure that marijuana products are safe and free from contaminants. This
could be done through quality control measures such as testing for pesticides and other harmful
substances. Ensuring that marijuana products are of a consistent quality would also help to
prevent negative health impacts on users. Limits on public use: It would also be important to
limit the public use of marijuana to prevent negative impacts on public safety and health. This
could be done through measures such as prohibiting the use of marijuana in public spaces,
similar to smoking restrictions on tobacco. This would help to prevent secondhand smoke
exposure and minimize the potential for impaired driving and other public safety risks. Education
and awareness campaigns: It would also be important to educate the public about the risks and
potential negative impacts of marijuana use, particularly for young people. This could be done
through public awareness campaigns, school-based education programs, and other initiatives.
Educating the public about the potential risks and how to use marijuana safely could help
minimize negative impacts on public health and safety. Regulation of production and
distribution:

Finally, it would be important to regulate the production and distribution of marijuana products
to ensure that they are safe and free from harmful substances. This could be done through
licensing and inspection requirements for marijuana growers and producers, as well as
regulations on packaging and labeling to ensure that users are aware of the potential risks and
appropriate use guidelines. Overall, there are many measures that could be put in place to limit
the potential negative consequences of legalizing marijuana in the Philippines. By implementing
age restrictions, quality control measures, limits on public use, education and awareness
campaigns, and regulation of production and distribution, it may be possible to legalize
marijuana in a way that minimizes negative impacts on public health and safety while still
allowing for the potential benefits that legalization could bring. However, it is important to
approach legalization carefully and thoughtfully to ensure that its potential benefits are
maximized and its potential risks are minimized.
 

Legalizing marijuana in the Philippines is a complex issue that requires careful

consideration of the potential benefits and risks. While legalization could have potential benefits
such as generating tax revenue, reducing crime rates, and providing relief for medical conditions,
it is also important to consider the potential negative impacts on public health and safety. These
negative impacts could include an increase in marijuana use among young people, impaired
driving and other public safety risks, and the potential for addiction and other negative health
impacts. To minimize these negative impacts, there are several measures that could be put in
place if marijuana were to be legalized. One important measure would be age restrictions on the
use of marijuana. Just as with alcohol and tobacco, there would need to be a minimum age at
which it would be legal to purchase and use marijuana. This would help prevent young people
from accessing the drug and minimize the potential negative impacts on their developing brains.

Another important measure would be to ensure that marijuana products are safe and free
from contaminants. This could be done through quality control measures such as testing for
pesticides and other harmful substances. Ensuring that marijuana products are of a consistent
quality would also help to prevent negative health impacts on users. Limits on public use would
also be important to prevent negative impacts on public safety and health. This could be done
through measures such as prohibiting the use of marijuana in public spaces, similar to smoking
restrictions on tobacco. This would help to prevent secondhand smoke exposure and minimize
the potential for impaired driving and other public safety risks. Education and awareness
campaigns would also be important to educate the public about the risks and potential negative
impacts of marijuana use, particularly for young people. This could be done through public
awareness campaigns, school-based education programs, and other initiatives. Educating the
public about the potential risks and how to use marijuana safely could help minimize negative
impacts on public health and safety.

It would be important to regulate the production and distribution of marijuana products to ensure
that they are safe and free from harmful substances. This could be done through licensing and
inspection requirements for marijuana growers and producers, as well as regulations on
packaging and labeling to ensure that users are aware of the potential risks and appropriate use
guidelines. In addition to these measures, it would also be important to monitor and evaluate the
impacts of legalization over time to ensure that it is achieving its intended goals and minimizing
negative impacts. This could involve ongoing research and evaluation of public health and safety
outcomes as well as regular reviews of the regulatory framework to ensure that it remains
effective and appropriate.

In summary, legalizing marijuana in the Philippines is a complex issue that requires

careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks. By implementing measures such as age
restrictions, quality control measures, limits on public use, education and awareness campaigns,
and regulation of production and distribution, it may be possible to legalize marijuana in a way
that minimizes negative impacts on public health and safety while still allowing for the potential
benefits that legalization could bring. However, ongoing monitoring and evaluation will be
important to ensure that legalization is effective and appropriate over time.
 

When considering the legalization of marijuana, there are many factors that should be taken into
consideration. However, one factor that should be given the most attention is the potential impact
on public health and safety. Marijuana use has been associated with a number of negative health
outcomes, particularly when used at a young age or in excessive amounts. These negative health
outcomes include impaired cognitive function, an increased risk of mental health problems such
as psychosis, and respiratory problems associated with smoking.

Additionally, marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of addiction and other substance
use disorders. Furthermore, the potential impact on public safety is also a major concern when it
comes to the legalization of marijuana. Impaired driving, workplace accidents, and other public
safety risks are all potential consequences of increased marijuana use. In order to minimize these
risks, strict regulations and enforcement measures would need to be put in place to prevent
impaired driving and other public safety hazards. While there are potential benefits to legalizing
marijuana, such as generating tax revenue and reducing crime rates, these potential benefits
should not be prioritized over public health and safety concerns. It is important to carefully
consider the potential risks and benefits of legalization and to put in place appropriate regulations
and safeguards to minimize negative impacts.

In addition to public health and safety concerns, it is also important to consider the potential
impact on social justice and equity. The criminalization of marijuana has disproportionately
impacted marginalized communities and has been linked to racial disparities in the criminal
justice system. Legalization could potentially help to address these disparities by reducing the
number of people who are arrested and incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses.

Overall, while there are many factors that should be taken into consideration when
legalizing marijuana, the potential impact on public health and safety deserves the most
attention. It is essential to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of legalization and to
implement appropriate regulations and safeguards to minimize negative impacts on individuals
and society as a whole.

This would then mean that the legalizing of marijuana in the Philippines, if ever taken seriously
or considered at all, will go through a slow and often tedious process due to the debate and
arguments to be learned and acknowledged since it is one of the most controversial topics to be
discussed. There are certain pros and cons on both sides, and if our country were to uphold the
ordinance, there would be extreme changes in both our political, economic, and even social
outlooks.

So in conclusion, legalization of marijuana is something that could be plausible but

highly debatable, since, regarding our traditional and political background, a lot of things will
have to be taken into account, making it harder to actually be accepted.

 
 

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