Critical Analysis On Legalizing Marijuana

Abstract

Marijuana is a drug that has both medicinal use and adverse effects. In the last five decades, various countries have regulated marijuana use. India is a country with a population of 1.3 billion and cannabis user is 3% of our entire population. Proponents of legalization have emphasized the potential to eradicate the marijuana black market, improve quality and safety control, increase tax revenues, improve the availability of medical cannabis, and lower gang-related drug violence. Conversely, opponents of legalization have stressed concerns about cannabis' addictive potential, second-hand cannabis exposure, potential exacerbation of underlying and established mental illnesses, as well as alterations in perception that affect safety. Marijuana is an addictive substance and intertwined with the Indian culture and has a place in India's religious beliefs. In its entirety, the paper provides recommendations on the regulation of marijuana, keeping in mind the wide use of the drug and raises concern on effective regulation due to high misuse of prescription drugs.