The Negative Effects of the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana on Students
The hot topic for voters around America seems to be whether or not we should legalize Marijuana. It has become popular belief that not only is Marijuana safe it should be legal. While no one can say for sure if these claims are definitively true, we can apply what we do know to make the right decision. What exactly do we know; and is this safe for our children? The side for legalization never really discusses marijuana use in children and young adults. There is great concern in this area as more and more information becomes available but there is still so much we don’t really know for sure yet.
What are some of the concerns with legalization of marijuana and the youth?
We all know how important it is for children to practice good eating habits, get healthy amounts of exercise, and drink plenty of water. We also know that cognitive health is just as important. Especially in the adolescent years when the brain is very active as so many changes are taking place. Research is suggesting now that teens who smoke marijuana may experience future problems with memory, learning, even thinking! Studies have also shown students using marijuana are less likely to finish high school as it clouds their ability to concentrate effectively making learning and keeping up with their studies very difficult. A quick “Google” search will pull up several studies of this nature for more information.
Just like cigarette smoke, smoking marijuana is harmful to your lungs. Some studies have reported it could be worse though it has not been confirmed, merely suggested. The fact that we just don’t have enough information is another area of grave concern. We don’t fully understand yet how this will affect students in their adult years to come. Studies have not had time to mature and record the data. When a student is involved in smoking Marijuana they’re risking their future on hopes that the people who claim it’s harmless are right. If they’re wrong, they may pay dearly for a childhood mistake.
Consider now the teenager learning to drive. When you first got your learner’s permit and drove the family car, you were probably anxious, nervous and very scared. This is a healthy reaction. This fear heightens your senses which helps keep you safe. Imagine now a 15 year old learning to drive under the influence of marijuana who has no anxiety, fear, or nervousness. His senses have been dulled. He doesn’t notice the car that blew past the stop sign coming their way. I don’t need to fill in the rest. The years spent as a child are important years for learning. If the child is sedated with Marijuana, the child may struggle to keep up with his or her peers.
When we decide to legalize marijuana, we are putting it in our stores. Putting it in our stores means much easier access for everyone. Even if you put an age restriction on marijuana there’s always the store clerks who fail to check IDs or friends with older siblings who buy things for them. While keeping it illegal does not solve the problem of students using marijuana it at least makes it not quite as easy to get to.
