There are two sides to every story…Should marijuana be legalized?

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Margaret Marin and Jaime Mendez, Reporter

Margaret Marin: Marijuana shouldn’t be legalized  

Marijuana is definitely no joke. Sure, the internet can crack a few funny comments about the use or the product itself but, when a legalization act may possibly be added to the 2016 ballot, should we really consider to legalize it in our state? The state of California, known for its beautiful coastal beaches and the hopes and dreams of many up and coming stars, has once again been raising up conversation on whether we should legalize the drug. Personally, I feel we shouldn’t legalize marijuana.

In 2016, many of our very own Colton Yellow jackets will have the right to vote and hopefully, will vote wisely. Medical marijuana obviously has been legalized in California but, of course you need a card in order to obtain the drug. That I don’t mind. If marijuana is used responsibly for medical purposes then I’m glad it’s saving someone’s health. I just don’t want to walk down the street and smell someone burning the plant causally as if they were smoking a cigarette.

Marijuana isn’t as “cool” as you may think it is. The effects of marijuana only short-term but why risk your mentality for even a second? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse Marijuana contains a head spinning chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can cause altered senses, mood swings, difficulty thinking, and impaired body movements. I wouldn’t even want to touch the drug if I can’t even properly pronounce the chemical damaging my body.

If marijuana was legalized, imagine how easy it would be to obtain. All you would have to do is drive on over to your local liquor store and purchase it. Now think for a minute about the future of your kids, just imagine how easy it would be for them to obtain. Just imagine if marijuana was legalized, it would be more considered as a gateway drug like cigarettes. How awful would this make our state look. It’s already bad enough that alcohol and cigarettes are legalized if used “responsibly”. Let’s not add another mistake into the hands of the next generation.

Jaime Mendez: Marijuana Should be legalized

Medical marijuana use has its pros and cons. It’s being debated throughout the country to be able to use marijuana without a medicinal need. Different people have different opinions about its medicinal and non medicinal use. ”I don’t agree with the medical use because I know there are bad people in this world and will sell it to people without a need,they just sell it for cash.” and “Using marijuana without a need can lead to corruption.” are just some of the quotes of people against marijuana.

Using medical marijuana  and just using marijuana without a need is not the same and has different benefits. “They should make marijuana using without a need legal because it will make people calmer and the world a more peaceful place” is something people have said to encourage the use of marijuana. Its studied that medical marijuana use can lead to a cure for cancer. Its also said one of the candidates running for the 2016 presidency, Bernie Sanders, will make the use of marijuana legal without a “medical card.” If your son or daughter was diagnosed with cancer, and the doctor told you by using marijuana it will help him get cured would you think about supporting medical marijuana use ?