Cannabis in Texas should be legal because it would reduce crime, drug overdoses and improve the country’s economy. Adults already have access to other legal substances that are, or could be, far more dangerous than cannabis. So, why not? Rules and regulations would be in effect post-legalization, so the country can pull the plug if any certain aspect gets out of hand. I am not saying people should smoke, but if you do, it is better to be safe than sorry. 

Marijuana contains THC which binds with receptors in your brain and body that control feelings and sensations, such as mood and pain; it is what makes people feel “high.” Whether this mind-altering drug is used for medical reasons or simply personal fulfillment, there is no denying that the benefits of this drug help the user in a multitude of ways.

In the United States, there are already other legal age-restricted products that can have more significant repercussions than marijuana. For example, too many shots of your favorite tequila can make you forget an entire night, while your small and handy e-cigarette gradually destroys your lungs with every hit; both can be very bad, but both are legal. Why then is it that cannabis still remains illegal, if other legal products can produce unfortunate outcomes? Individuals know the consequences of their actions, so they themselves should be the judge of what they can and cannot consume.

Around the U.S., there are always drug overdoses with marijuana; not because of the marijuana itself, but the substances that dealers lace it with. When purchasing marijuana, you may or may not know where it is coming from. In a state where marijuana is legal, purchasing the substance would be more secure and safe, allowing the consumer to know where their marijuana is coming from without fearing that their marijuana could be laced with anything unknown. These shops would be difficult to open, requiring the owner to obtain proper documentation and certification from the states, ensuring safety for the customer. In this way, the government can make sure that the cannabis being produced and sold meets certain expectations. 

Opening cannabis shops would encourage job openings, boosting the economy for the better. And with cannabis being more accessible, crime rate would decrease alongside the drug dealers. Marijuana would not be smuggled into the U.S.; it could instead be grown here. Legalizing marijuana would also mean government regulations, so the market could be controlled and maintained. Prices and taxes would increase, creating opportunity costs for marijuana users. One can then decide whether or not they choose to purchase the product.

Again, I am not advocating for the consumption of cannabis, but for the safety of those who use it. Legalizing marijuana would improve the overall status of the state and the country, while appealing to the current population. Cigarettes and alcohol could pose a bigger threat to society, rather than a drug that is meant to soothe and relax an individual.