Cause and effect essay
The Causes and Effects of the Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado
As controversial as the topic may seem, the legalization of marijuana in the state of Colorado has proven to have been worth the journey. With the passing of the amendment of the state constitution in 2012, this allowed marijuana to be legally dispensed. One of the primary reasons most wanted to legalize marijuana was for medical reasons. Medical marijuana has been proven to help patients suffering from many different ailments but some say it has also contributed to the increase in drug related incidents. However, with the legalization of marijuana comes both positive and negative views depending on your stance on the topic.
What caused the legalization of marijuana?
Entrepreneurial opportunities
Natural approach to medical treatment
Taxable retail sales
Positive Effects
Medical uses for patients with cancer, chronic pain and PTSD
Created business opportunities for Colorado residents
Drug related crimes decreased
Negative Effects
Drug related student suspensions
Majority DUI’s/traffic deaths were due to marijuana use
Increase in homeless Veterans
Conclusion
In conclusion, there have been both positive and negative effects since the legalization of marijuana in the state of Colorado. The number of medical ailments that are now being treated in a more natural method have shown to help some patients improvement. However, some have perhaps overindulged in the legalization of the drug and have contributed to a higher rate of traffic violations and even death. Considering both point of views and even the division that this has caused across the state of Colorado, it’s safe to say that the positives outweigh the negatives.
References
Colorado Department of Revenue, Enforcement Division–Marijuana. House Bill 14-1366 Marijuana Edibles Work Group Report. Denver, CO; January 30, 2015.
Hartman R. and Huestis R. “Cannabis Effects on Driving Skills.” Clin Chem. (2012), available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23220273.
Welsh, Johnny (2017). Weedgalized in Colorado: True Tales From the High Country. Peak 1 Publishing LLC. April 19, 2017.
