Extended Writing Task Legalise Marijuana

question_id: 5512

Should Australia Legalise Marijuana

Medical cannabis, for treatment of chronic illness and pain, has been legal in Australia since February 2016. However, there is still much controversial debate with regards to the question – should Australia legalise marijuana for recreational use. There are valid arguments both for and against this action being taken by parliament.

The Argument For:

The most compelling argument for legalisation is the estimated A$259 million in tax revenue alone and a net estimated value of A$727.5 million annually that will benefit the economy.

Cannabis is a huge industry consisting of production, sales and distribution, research and development, etc. Legalising the substance will have a positive impact on unemployment.

A reduction in both manpower and costs in the justice system that are presently being dedicated to policing, convicting and imprisoning offenders who are in contravention of current marijuana legislation. Legalising marijuana may free up resources and finances to fight more serious crime.

Public sentiment regarding decriminalising marijuana is generally positive with the majority of Australians believing that it should be legalised.

There is a strong argument that the current laws regarding the illegal use of marijuana contravene civil rights and liberties and impinge on social freedom.

The question of whether criminalising causes more harm than good also plays a role. The current strategy to combat illegal drug use has a basis towards punishment. For example, a person who has been convicted of possession may be subject to a criminal record that will negatively impact their future.

Groups and organisations for the legalisation propose the institution of a government agency to strictly control, regulate and legislate the production, distribution, sale, possession and purchase of the substance. This strict control should eliminate some of the concerns regarding the legalisation.

Arguments Against:

Marijuana is considered an illegal substance and is classed as a narcotic due to its psychoactive properties which can lead to abuse, addiction and have other far-reaching consequences.

Driving under the influence of marijuana impairs driving ability which increases the risk of a car accident by almost double.

Underage use of cannabis has been linked to delayed development as well as poor grades in school.

Smoking cannabis can result in low birth weight and other unconfirmed birth defects. Marijuana may pass into the milk of breastfeeding mothers and could delay development in an infant.

Secondhand smoke can affect those around you and can negatively impact the growth and development of children that are exposed to the drug.

Marijuana is considered to be a gateway drug in that people who try it may be more likely to try other illegal substances that could be more harmful such as heroin. This is most significant in the youth and individuals under the age of 18 years.

The current laws are in place to protect Australians from the potential harm that can result from the use of cannabis such as dependency, impaired functionality while under the influence as well as the psychoactive effects that can include both visual and auditory hallucinations.

There are strong arguments both for and against the legalisation of marijuana and there does not seem to be much hope for an end to the debate. The government is standing strong on keeping the current laws in place and recently rejected a proposal by The Greens to have the substance legalised for recreational use through a viable government agency.

So should Australia legalise marijuana? While the debate continues to rage on in private, public and government forums, it does not seem that reform in current legislation is likely in the near future.