There is no denying the fact that our society is heading into a direction where the recreational use of marijuana is becoming more widely accepted throughout this country. However, the idea of legalizing marijuana is one that undermines the safety of the public and puts many individuals at risk for detrimental health problems.

Both long-term and short-term negative effects are key proponents in understanding the importance of keeping marijuana illegal. Not only does it compromise brain development, but it also exposes users to other unsafe and toxic drugs. It’s known as the “gateway effect.” According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, a person who smokes marijuana is 104 times more likely to move on to harder drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, compared to those that do not smoke marijuana. Enabling millions of Americans to readily access marijuana could, therefore, lead to an increase of illicit drug use across the nation.

Extensive studies have also shown that the use of marijuana impacts brain functions in more ways than people may know. Short-term effects include altered perceptions, impaired memory, slower reaction time and changes in mood. Long-term effects also include impact to basic brain functions like thinking and learning. Early exposure to this drug can create life-changing health risks that can potentially permanently alter essential human functions.

For those states that have already legalized recreational use, like Colorado, it has become clear that the amount of tax revenue this industry is generating is unparalleled. Within one month of legalization, the state of Colorado collected more than $4 million from taxes alone. Furthermore, the state is projected to take in around $70 million by the end of the fiscal year (June 2015). Despite the tremendous amount of money that is being brought in, compromising peoples’ health for the sake of producing revenue for the state is blatantly immoral.

I understand the evolving opinions that contradict traditional beliefs in relation to the legalization of marijuana, however, legally allowing recreational use of marijuana could endanger the lives of many that already struggle with drug abuse as well as others who are yet to be exposed to it. The underlying reality brings to light the conspicuous truth: legalized marijuana is destructive. Permitting the legal purchase of this drug glorifies the use that conclusively provokes compromised behavior and negative health risks.