Alcohol is legal but marijuana is not, how is that possible? Previous research states that marijuana causes more danger to one’s health. However, many people are starting to realize that the disadvantages of alcohol surpass the so called dangers of marijuana. In fact, according to Pew Research Center, about seven-in-ten (69%) of Americans believe alcohol is more harmful to a person’s health than marijuana (6 facts about Marijuana). Over twenty states around the country have already legalized marijuana for either medical or recreational use including Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. Yes, both alcohol and marijuana change the mental and emotional state of an individual which can compromise a change in one’s actions …show more content…
Marijuana is perceived to have the same effect that cigarette smokers have on their body. It is commonly known that the main disease developed from cigarette smokers is lung cancer which can be detrimental for the rest of one’s life. But, there is absolutely no correlation to the effects of marijuana. Stated by The U.S National Academy of Science Institute of Medicine, “There is no conclusive evidence that marijuana causes cancer in humans, including cancers usually related to tobacco use. This was reaffirmed in 2006 by the largest case- controlled study on the respiratory effects of marijuana smoking which, found ‘no association at all’ between marijuana smoking and an increased risk of developing lung cancer, even among subjects who reported smoking more than 22,000 joints over their lifetimes” (Marijuana is Safer Than Alcohol). It is amusing that the one drug that is illegal, causes less harm to the body than alcohol, which “is associated with a wide variety of cancers, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach colon, lungs, pancreas, liver and prostate” (Marijuana is Safer Than Alcohol). It is a common misconception that marijuana causes lung cancer similarly to cigarettes. This could potentially be why marijuana was made illegal in the first place, but clearly, this fact is wrong. People should take into consideration the effects of the substances they are using. In addition, if the government wants to protect all their citizens, why promote drugs that are life