I have chosen the first prompt about the controversy surrounding the use and legalization of marijuana. The topic is highly controversial in our country today, especially since some states have already legalized the use of recreational marijuana, and other states won’t be legalizing it anytime soon.
For those who are for the use of marijuana, they point out the health benefits of it. Marijuana helps with pain, anxiety, and can aid with disorders such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. They also argue that marijuana is the least addictive drug and that it is less harmful than other types of drugs. Those who are against the use of marijuana claim it to be the “gateway drug” to using much harder drugs to achieve that same high. They also claim that it worsens physical and mental health rather than benefiting it. Research is inconclusive on the real effects of marijuana, so either argument could be correct or incorrect and is mostly based on whether a person has had experience with using marijuana or not.Medical marijuana is also a big controversy right now. Those who think it should be legalized talk about all the benefits it can have for disease treatment, especially in conditions like epilepsy in children, where the drug has been shown to work. Those against it make similar arguments to regular arguments about marijuana and that it will do more harm than good.
In my opinion, I support the use and legalization of medical marijuana. They are starting to develop medical marijuana with less THC, meaning patients will not get much of a high. This means that people will be at less danger of addiction to the drug while using it for medical use. As for recreational marijuana, I don’t really approve of the use of it, but legalizing it could have benefits. There would be less arrests, more locally-sourced jobs would be created to distribute marijuana, and an improvement in the economy of the legalized areas. I think legalization of both could have some real benefits to society.
Brittany's Thoughts 
Hi Brittany and thank you for sharing your opinion on this controversial topic. I personally find the opinion that maujuania to be legalized is off-putting to say the least.
It’s interesting that you said that they are working on declining the amount of THC in marijuana when I’m reading that THC has been increasing to where at least 10% or more (looking at a 2016 study, source will be shared below) are now addicted to the drug. With the states and their difference legalities of the drug, it is extremely hard to even find out the exact amounts of THC….so I’d like to know where, who what and how these Doctors are getting their pot and do we truly know what exactly is in it?
There has been a study done on animals recently where THC consumed during development can cause long term or possibly permanent adverse changes in the brain. It showed in rats exposed to THC during adolescence are associated with structural and functional changes in the hippocampus. Adolescent rats had an altered reward system, making it more likely the animal will self administer to other drugs such as heroin given the opportunity. It’s not shared of the amount of THC was consumed, but does it really matter initially?
If pot is legalized, it only gives teenagers “permission” to smoke the stuff, not getting the proper education and they will only self diagnose themselves. Because their brains are still developing, already smoking pot, will most likely cause their IQ to drop and cause depression. They will believe that they now need pot to not be depressed. They will believe this because of how society and the media glorify medical marijuana making it the best cure out there. With all the medical miracles out there, if pot actually does cure diseases, I’d like to see it have zero THC and what benefits that does to a human.
Amounts of THC increased in Marijuana
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/marijuana-use-and-its-effects#2
Study on rats
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana/what-are-marijuanas-long-term-effects-brain
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