Why Marijuana Should NOT be Legal

        When I was watching the news yesterday, the topic of possibly legalizing marijuana came up. It was ridiculous to see people that were for such a thing! I am wholly against the legalization of marijuana. First of all, there are many harmful short term effects from the usage of marijuana that include memory problems, difficulty thinking, distorted perception, a decline in problem-solving skills, feelings of panic, fear, and anxiety. Marijuana can also be addictive, and may weaken the immune system--definitely something I wouldn't want for my body! Secondly, marijuana is a gateway drug. Once a person starts with marijuana, chances are they will advance to other drugs such as cocaine or heroin. Research conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that in over three hundred sets of twins where one twin had used marijuana and one twin had not, the twin who had used marijuana was more likely to use other types of drugs (www.edubook.com). Lastly, legalizing marijuana would indubitably increase the usage of it. Often times people who want to try substances like marijuana don't know where to find it. Legalizing it would make it readily available to those curious people who want to try it...so they would most likely indulge themselves if marijuana was legal. I don't know about you, but for me there are just too many pros involved with marijuana to ever consider legalizing it!