Article Rebuttal
BCOM/275

Dr. Howard Samuels has written an article in he Huffington Post about his stance on the legalization of marijuana. He states he is against the legalization but not the decimalization. Dr. Samuels proceeds to state that legalization would be a nightmare on the fact that marijuana would be available in stores across the country, and that it would mirror the alcohol and tobacco industry. In relation he states that “alcohol has created so much dysfunction and destruction in our society, why would we want to introduce yet another drug that gets people high.”

Ok, so I do agree that alcohol does create dysfunction and destruction. This I agree with 100% . I do not agree that introducing marijuana would do the same. Alcohol creates destruction not only to society but to the body as well and cannot cure much of anything compared to the healing properties of marijuana and marijuana is less addictive. “Alcohol's addictive qualities are well-documented. Approximately 17.6 million people, or one in every 12 adults, suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence, according to the NIAAA and t he addictive qualities of marijuana are not yet fully understood. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates 9% of people who use marijuana will become addicted to it. For comparison's sake, cocaine hooks about 20% of those who use it.” (Is marijuana as safe as -- or safer than -- alcohol? By Jen Christensen and Jacque Wilson, CNN updated 11:19 AM EST, Wed January 22, 2014)

Eventually alcohol use can lead to liver disease, neurological problems, certain psychiatric issues and may increase your risk of several types of cancer. If comparing marijuana to tobacco then marijuana is more dangerous health wise. Dr. Samuels goes on to say “Do we really want to create a culture that is full to bursting with adults who have no coping or self-soothing skills, who live their lives with unexplained panic disorders and high anxiety (no