Newswriting Assignment 3

The article “Recreational Marijuana: A Business Boon For States?” argues that the legalization of recreational marijuana would be beneficial. This article argues that there would be a large amount of tax revenue and lower crime rate. It also states that there would be a strict policy. However, these arguments do have fault.

The article argues that taxes made off of recreational marijuana could be put back into programs for public schools. Although money is always helpful, one may find it unsettling knowing the where this revenue is coming from. It is ironic that revenue coming from marijuana going to schools when it is such a danger to those in those schools. Allowing recreational marijuana to be legal will create easier access for underage kids. Marijuana is evolving into a more dangerous drug with serious side effects such as various mental health issues. In addition, the cost of impaired driving will raise. Tax revenues does not seem like an ethical reason to create a danger. 

The article also argues that there would be a lower crime rate with the legalization of recreational marijuana. However, one may argue that crime rates would stay the same or even raise. People will still cheat the system and sell their purchased marijuana to underage kids. With there being such a high tax, the want for buying off of the street continues. The demand for home grown marijuana sold on the street will increase. This does not solve the issue of dangerous marijuana being distributed. 

In addition, the article also argues that if recreational marijuana were to be legalized, there would be a very strict policy on who can purchase it. The article states “…to make sure that no one under 21 gets marijuana products in stores, recreational marijuana stores in the state are required to have an extensive ID checking procedure as well as a double camera system covering the entire store at all times”. However, this is the same policy required to purchase alcohol in the United States. Underage drinking happens all the time, and the same issue would occur with recreational marijuana. There is also no policy for amount of consumption. This leaves room for heavy use and bad habits – risking the lives of the people using this drug. 

Although there may seem to be benefits to legalizing recreational marijuana, one may need to keep in mind the wellness of our society. The selling of marijuana would bring in tax revenue. However, that revenue may need to fund other things such as impaired driving accidents. The crime rate may rise due to the selling of marijuana to avoid these taxes. Policies need to be extremely strict on consumption to protect the wellbeing of our society. 

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2018-08-01/the-legalization-of-recreational-marijuana-an-economic-opportunity-for-states

“Recreational Marijuana May Be Big Business for States.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2018-08-01/the-legalization-of-recreational-marijuana-an-economic-opportunity-for-states.